Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Fungie the dolphin. Graham Hughes/Photocall Ireland!
solo

After 36 years, Fungie has become the Guinness World Records' oldest dolphin living alone

The dolphin was first spotted in Dingle in 1983.

FUNGIE THE DOLPHIN has become the Guinness World Records’ longest recorded solitary dolphin. 

Fungie was first spotted off the coast of Dingle in 1983 and is believed to have stuck around ever since. The bottlenose dolphin is estimated to be at least 40 years old, according to the Guinness World Records.

He is often seen by visitors around Dingle Harbour on boat trips and is a huge tourist attraction in the area. 

The record was announced on 18 September by the Guinness World Records. 

The record was given after a 2019 report reviewing the world’s documented lone whales and dolphins published by global charity Marine Connection identified Fungie as the longest-living solitary dolphin in the world. 

The report showed that bottlenose dolphins are the most frequently observed solitary species. The first edition of this report was published in 2008. 

Another bottlenose dolphin named JoJo has also been living on his own in the Caribbean. Reports are varied on the day he was first spotted, but US wildlife advocate Dean Bernal first met the dolphin in 1984. 

Your Voice
Readers Comments
36
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

    Leave a commentcancel