JOJO The Dolphin

For 15 years in the Turks & Caicos islands, a wild dolphin by the name of JOJO has become a national treasure because of his socialization with humans. He has gained notoriety in books, a TV special with Robin Williams and in March of this year JOJO will be featured in a film called Dolphins.

Some 15 years ago JOJO was befriended by a unique human being. Dean Bernal came to the island as a diver and while pursuing his passion of ocean swimming came in contact with this dolphin. Since then a loving companionship has formed with Dean that continues to this day and has become world renowned.

Islanders and countless tourists alike have been touched by JOJO's curiosity, humor and gentleness. JOJO's desire to interact with humans is quite rare considering he is free to swim the ocean as he pleases. Dean has taken on the role of JOJO's caretaker. Unfortunately, when wildlife and man interact, problems occur.

On many occasions, accidents to JOJO have been caused by propellers from water ski boats run by the Club Med operation. (see injuries at http://www.jojo.tc/clubmed.htm ) Some of JOJO's injuries have been so serious that without medical attention from Dean, JOJO would not have survived.

Recently, I became aware that Mr. Bernal has purchased propeller guards for the Club Med ski boats in order to protect JOJO from any future injuries. The management of Club Med refuses to use them and has banned Mr. Bernal from even being on Club Med property. Right now ski boats are dry docked until the seas calm down but any time now they should be up and running.

Dean has dedicated the last 15 years to protecting and educating people about wild dolphins and travels extensively worldwide.

If you log on to Dean's web site at www.jo.tc. you will see many items of interest including a letter to Dean from HRH Prince of Wales to "pass on his very best wishes for the success and well being of JOJO" as well as learning that Robin Williams paid for the medical attention needed to JOJO after a major injury caused by a propeller. You will also learn that JOJO's world wide celebrity has made him popular with the Make A Wish Foundation.

Try as we might, we are getting nowhere with Club Med. The people from the top down do not even respond to our queries to them. Why would a resort operator have such disrespect for this gentle creatures life? We are hoping that by giving this story national attention we might be able to save JOJO from the inevitable. We are trying to get the government of the Turks & Caicos to step in and ban all water skiing in the National Parks where marine life like JOJO and other dolphins are disturbed. If you are interested in sending a letter of protest you may do so by sending it to governoroffice@tciway.tc please send a cc: to Dean Bernal at jojo1@tciway.tc