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Rene Shadbolt

René Shadbolt led the only New Zealand contingent to the Spanish Civil War. She and fellow nurse, Isobel Dodds, cared for wounded soldiers, particularly those from the International Brigades, from July 1937 to November 1938.

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Today in History

9 March

1956 Death of Opo the friendly dolphin

Opononi George or Opo, also known as the 'gay dolphin', was a young female bottlenosed dolphin who warmed the hearts of thousands of people at Opononi in the Hokianga Harbour between June 1955 to March 1956.

In spring and summer the dolphin regularly approached the beach near Opononi wharf to play with locals. Opo’s playful antics included juggling beach balls and beer bottles on her snout. Numerous newspaper articles and photos drew thousands of holidaymakers to Opononi.

Concerns for her welfare led to the formation of the Opononi Gay Dolphin Protection Committee. The government responded to calls to protect her with an order in council, which took effect at midnight on 8 March 1956. This made it an offence to ‘take or molest any dolphin in Hokianga Harbour’.

These measures did not save Opo. She was found dead the next day, jammed in a crevice between rocks. There were suggestions that she had become stranded while fishing - and more sinister accusations that she had been killed by fishermen using gelignite.

The people of Opononi were devastated by her death and buried her in front of the beach where she had entertained so many. Messages of sympathy poured in from people around the country, including the governor-general. Opo's life was remembered in song, books and sculpture.

Image: 'Remembering Opo' (Te Ara)