Description: People are attracted to dolphins for many reasons, from their intelligence and friendliness to their ability to communicate. Rachel Smolker, a psychobiologist with a special interest in animal communication, turned her longtime fascination into a groundbreaking project. In 1982, frustrated by the limitations of observing dolphins in captivity, Smolker moved to Monkey Mia, a remote beach on the west coast of Australia where "tame" wild dolphins regularly interact with humans. Gradually, Smolker and a team of fellow scientists extended the human-dolphin community to encompass dolphins that did not come toward shore. By 1990, they could recognize and chart the behavior of more than 250 individuals.

Smolker's magnificent chronicle of her experiences in Monkey Mia, "To Touch A Wild Dolphin" unravels many of the mysteries about these appealing animals. It offers an up-close look at their society and the diversity of characters that inhabit it. From the intriguing differences between the sexes to the nature of mother-infant relationships, to the wide repertoire of sounds used for social communications, the author reveals the inner workings of dolphin life. In delightful portraits of individual dolphins, she profiles personalities ranging from the playful to the moody to the incredibly silly.

Smolker is widely recognized as one of the leading authorities on dolphins, and her fascinating -- and sometimes troubling -- revelations about them greatly enhance our understanding of these magical creatures.

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