In 1955 “Opo the friendly dolphin” was found orphaned in a harbor near the small town of Opononi. The dolphin swam beside fishing boats, and played with the local children.
Opo became so famous in New Zealand that a song was written about her. Thousands of holidaymakers came to visit. Sadly, she was found dead one year later, some say by accident. Others claim she was poisoned by fisherman who were losing business.
Opo died only a day after the local council passed a law to protect her. She received a full Maori funeral, and was buried right in front of town hall.
