Opo (dolphin) facts for kids

Opo entertains visitors in 1956

Opo was a friendly bottlenose dolphin who became super famous in New Zealand during the summer of 1955 and 1956. She loved playing with kids in the small town of Opononi. This town is located on the Hokianga harbour.

Opo was a wild dolphin. She started following fishing boats near Opononi in early 1955. People first thought she was a boy, so they called her "Opononi Jack." This name was inspired by another famous dolphin, Pelorus Jack. Unlike most dolphins, Opo was not shy around people. She would do cool tricks for the locals. She even played with things like beach balls and empty bottles. Kids could swim right next to her and even touch her!

Some Māori children were a bit careful about playing with Opo. This was because of their cultural beliefs. They thought the dolphin might be a special messenger from Kupe, a famous ancestor.

Opo quickly became a local star. Soon, news about her spread across the whole country. Visitors from all over New Zealand came to Opononi just to watch her play. On March 8, 1956, a special law was made to protect Opo. The local people had asked for this law. But sadly, on March 9, Opo was found dead. She was in a rock crevice at Koutu Point. Some people thought she got stuck while looking for food. Others believed she might have been hurt by fishermen using explosives. Her death was reported all over the country. She was buried with special Māori honours. Her burial spot is next to the Opononi War Memorial Hall.

Opo's Lasting Legacy

Statue of Opo the dolphin in Opononi

Opo's story touched many hearts. A song called "Opo the Friendly Dolphin" was written by Crombie Murdoch. It was recorded by Pat McMinn. This song became very popular. Another song about Opo was written by Julie Collier in 1988.

Several movies have been made about Opo. Rudall Hayward made a film called The Amazing Dolphin of Opononi. It came out in 1956 and was shown in 26 countries.

Opo also inspired books. She was the idea behind the novel This Summer's Dolphin by Maurice Shadbolt. A children's storybook called Opo the Gay Dolphin was written by Avis Acres.

In 1960, a stone statue of Opo playing with a child was put up in Opononi. It was made by Russell Clark. After some damage, a new bronze statue was made in 2013. The original stone statue was fixed and is now shown at the Hokianga Historical Society's Museum.

The Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa has many photos of Opo. These pictures were taken by Eric Lee-Johnson.

Even a Scottish country dance was named "Opo" in 1994. It has a special move called a 'dolphin hey'. This move reminds people of how Opo played.