The cheerful Opononi dolphin (colour litho)

The cheerful Opononi dolphin. Bathers who frequent this New Zealand centre have befriended a dolphin with a particularly playful and sociable character. Opo, as they called him, shows up in front of the crowded beach and waits for the children, and also the parents, to ride on his back; then he takes them for a walk on the sea. Play the ball, pose for the photographers. It has become the biggest attraction in that small town. The authorities took him under their protection by threatening severe measures against those who would harm him. Illustration for Courier Sunday, 25 March 1956.