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Shark Attack Thwarted by Dolphins

by Matt Van Hoven

Browse News

BY CATEGORY:
BY PET:

November 14, 2007

CALIFORNIA – On August 28th, Todd Endris was attacked by a great white shark as he waded off the coast of Monterey, California. He says he's only alive today because a pod of dolphins came to his rescue.

The 24 year-old surfer says he was sitting on his board when the 12-15 foot long shark attacked – striking him three times at his leg and torso - peeling the skin off his back like a banana.

It was soon after that moment that a pod of bottle-nosed dolphins intervened, forming a protective ring around him. It was that protection that gave Endris enough time to catch a wave back to shore.

He reached shore bloody and pale - a friend he was with wasn't sure Endris would make it. After being flown via helicopter to a hospital, doctors were able to stitch the surfer up.

Four months and lots of rehab later, Endris is is still in recovery. After all, his leg was severed to the bone – and then there's his back. He says it only took six weeks before he was back out in the surf - overcoming a fear that before last August, he never imagined to be possible.

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heroes, dolphin, shark, animal attacks, other pets

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Louise P.
Louise P. (lmpickford)
1 year ago
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Those dolphins were wonderful. I have always thought that they are very intelligent animals.
 
Sharon L.
Sharon L. (SharonLinch)
1 year ago
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If we ever learn to understand their language I think we would be truly amazed at just what they know.
 
jill l.
jill l. (JillLong)
1 year ago
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What an awesome story! I am amazed that the dolphins protected him this way. He is a very, very lucky surfer. Good luck in your rehab.
 
Lana S.
Lana S. (critterfriend)
1 year ago
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AMAZING!!! I hope the fellow is pro-dolphins! What a lucky guy!
 
Carol M.
Carol M. (CarolaMc)
1 year ago
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The surfer is guttsy to get back out there. He owes his life to the dolphins.
 
Jill6Johnson
Jill6Johnson
1 year ago
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Makes me remember Flipper and how great he was. Loved that show
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago
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Brad J.
Brad J. (BradJohnston)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are the ultimate Rescuers. For a wild animal to protect us that way is simply amazing.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago
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greenkitty44
greenkitty44
1 year ago
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Dolphins always amaze me! They are really in tune to people. That is an awful story--hopefully, the guy will be back to normal soon.
 
Brigit800
Brigit800
1 year ago
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Wow - dolphins saved him. That's neat.
 
jholt
jholt
1 year ago
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Dolphins are such amazing creatures. I love them. Great story. Glad he survived!
 
Cheryl L.
Cheryl L. (cdagner331)
1 year ago
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Wow, he's a lucky boy!
 
Marissa N.
Marissa N. (Marissa1992)
1 year ago
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This just goes to show how great dolphins really are. They are so much like humans and can really relate to us . I'm glad that they were there in time to save him.
 
Sue R.
Sue R. (suerob)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are amazing animals, and I must say brave too.
 
barbiloyd
barbiloyd
1 year ago
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He is a very lucky man.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago
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Doggieluvs
Doggieluvs
1 year ago
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There are those that believe that dolphins are the spirits of those that have gone before us. Could be.
 
linda s.
linda s. (furrybabies)
1 year ago
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dolphins are smart
 
vbliss
vbliss
1 year ago
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A study has been done on dolphins and for some reason their instincts towards human is extraordinary
 
vbliss
vbliss
1 year ago
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dolphins are beautiful animals ans so dran smart. you are lucky Todd
 
lizardlover27
lizardlover27
1 year ago
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Hope you will soon be out in the ocean doing what you like to do. Who knows maybe you will see the dolphins again
 
lizardlover27
lizardlover27
1 year ago
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Todd you are one lucky guy. I am sure dolphins do this circle and protect.
 
chiefwab
chiefwab
1 year ago
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I hope that Todd will be back in the ocean again real soon, dolphins are most interesting
 
chiefwab
chiefwab
1 year ago
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I understand that dolphine ae protective of humans. Thumbs up to these beautiful creatures
 
Victoria
Victoria (hurstvictoria)
1 year ago
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At least the dolphins had a brain, maybe next time the guy will remember sharks do occupy the ocean!
 
maoconn
maoconn
1 year ago
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Unbelievable!
 
Jennifer W.
Jennifer W. (jweber1)
1 year ago
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What an amazing story!
 
iseeurn
iseeurn
1 year ago
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I think dolphins are much smarter than anyone realizes
 
Merrell R.
Merrell R. (mroe)
1 year ago
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Living near the cost in SC I am always thrilled to hear of stories like this. Makes me willing to go near the water.
 
WANSTREET
WANSTREET
1 year ago
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I guess that is instinct for the pod of dolphins. Lucky for Todd Endris the dolphins intervened. Animals are truly amazing.
 
Izzy1928
Izzy1928
1 year ago
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i ALWAYs
 
kristenheinz57
kristenheinz57
1 year ago
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Yea this is a little hard to believe, if i was attacked by a shark, i would be in a panick, and probalby pass out or something. I wouldnt even be able too notice dolphins but thumbs up to the dolphins.
 
Elizabeth D.
Elizabeth D. (edancer2008)
1 year ago
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Uh...this seems really hard to believe. Would a person just bitten by a shark be coherent enough to see dolphins forming a protective circle around him? If so, then that really is amazing and kudos to the dolphins!
 
Tanya F.
Tanya F. (tfronczek)
1 year ago
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Amazing how dolphins can protect people in these situations. I'm glad he is ok and back to surfing. Chance of a great white attack is very slim and so he can still do what he likes. Me, I wouldn't but guess thats why I don't surf now.
 
melissa7271
melissa7271
1 year ago
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What a great act by the dolphins. Glad he is ok.
 
Frankenbunny
Frankenbunny (seniorcats)
1 year ago
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I can't believe this guy is back out surfing. What a miraculous save by the dolphins.
 
David R.
David R. (Wally)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are amazing animals. Todd Endris is lucky to be alive and I am certain that he knows it. He's brave to go back into the water. Dolphins once again show their humanity.
 
Jamie
Jamie (Sadiesmygirl)
1 year ago
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Your right, I dont know if I would be going back into the water again.
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago
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vanrigs
vanrigs
1 year ago
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this man has a lot of courage to go back out on a surf board. i love dolphins they are so smart.
 
hymcheng
hymcheng
1 year ago
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Everyone knows dolphins are highly intelligent. The fact that they used it to rescue this man's life is the amazing part. Fantastic story!
 
David R.
David R. (Wally)
1 year ago
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We should change the word "humanitarian" to "animalitarian". or to "mammalitarian". Animals seem to be more benevolent than people so often.
 
hymcheng
hymcheng
1 year ago
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I don't know how he does it. If it had happened to me, I would have hung up my surf board.
 
Marjorie J.
Marjorie J. (Madgerie)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are just brilliant. Endris is lucky and I hope that he will continue to thrive.
 
Brenda
Brenda (BrendaM)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are so great! I am so glad that they were able to help.
 
arnie
arnie (arnied)
1 year ago
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it doesn't just happen in the movies
 
Wyoming County S.
Wyoming County S. (wcspca1)
1 year ago
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hooray for the dolphins, lucky guy
 
Jessica H.
Jessica H. (jessicat87)
1 year ago
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he should love dolphins now if he didnt before and try to help keep them protected since he owes them his life
 
Anonymous
Anonymous
1 year ago
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linda s.
linda s. (furrybabies)
1 year ago
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nice story
 
Mary P.
Mary P. (marysworld)
1 year ago
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What wonderful dolphins!
 
cat100
cat100
1 year ago
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Love dolphins
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