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Shark Attack Thwarted by Dolphins

by Matt Van Hoven

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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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Hannanahmom
Hannanahmom
1 year ago
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With all the things humans do to dolphins and other sea creatures, it's admirable that they came to this man's aid. Great story.
 
Teresa A.
Teresa A. (TAbernethy)
1 year ago
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how awesome that those dolphins acted in such an amazing way
 
Seana B.
Seana B. (funkiemunkee)
1 year ago
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Just amazing to read about the altruism of these dolphins. I had heard of other stories where they have helped swimmers or assisted fisherman. I would love to learn more about how their social networks and relationships with humans work in free living groups. It would be awesome to be able to understand their language and communicate with them . . .
 
cortney09
cortney09
1 year ago
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That is a amazing story. It just shows what amazing things animals will do when they sense someone in trouble.
 
Sandy S.
Sandy S. (fastcars)
1 year ago
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I have heard of dolphins doing this. It's surprising that they can hold off a shark. I guess the odds scare off the shark. A very lucky guy but I'm not sure I could tempt fate again, at least not so soon.
 
WANSTREET
WANSTREET
1 year ago
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Odd how nature plays out sometimes. The man was lucky the dolphins came to his rescue.
 
HindersNumber1Fan
HindersNumber1Fan
1 year ago
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Lucky guy
 
stephaniex3
stephaniex3
1 year ago
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=] =]
 
LoriHill123
LoriHill123
1 year ago
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You always here that kind of story, and wonder if it is true. I guess so.
 
CASSANDRA R.
CASSANDRA R. (cassagrl)
1 year ago
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i love dolphins soo smart adn cute its amazing!
 
cathi g.
cathi g. (cathigreen)
1 year ago
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what a story. imagine the horror that surfer went thru. dolphins are amazing. this guy was very very lucky
 
april8sue
april8sue
1 year ago
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I agree with Hughie
 
Jacob D.
Jacob D. (JakeD)
1 year ago
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Iam glad everything worked out.Luckily the dolphins were there. It;s wierd how they knew how to help.
 
Hughie
Hughie
1 year ago
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What a wonderful story. The dolphins were so smart to know how to help the injured man. I'm glad he survived. I hope this makes people aware of the need to protect our dolphins.
 
Brenda
Brenda (BrendaM)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are great and we need to do more to protect them and our oceans!
 
Mary P.
Mary P. (marysworld)
1 year ago
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He is one lucky man to be alive & the way God intervened and helped him out with those dolphins is remarkable!
 
Jamie
Jamie (Sadiesmygirl)
1 year ago
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I could not have said it better myself.
 
Laura D.
Laura D. (Djitomate)
1 year ago
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I find dolphins very interesting creatures. I believe they have a huge bond toward humans. I wish more fishermen would see this and stop killing them in other parts of the world.
 
Sarah M.
Sarah M. (maxscout)
1 year ago
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That is just cool. You occasionally here about dolphins rescuing drowning victims and things like that. Way to go dolphins and good job getting back out into the water...don't know that i could do that.
 
Deb T.
Deb T. (DEBTAN)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are amazing!!
 
arb1752
arb1752
1 year ago
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he was very lucky those dolphins were around
 
m w.
m w. (lilstrawberri63)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are amazing creatures. Todd Endris was a very lucky man and he needs to thank his creator.
 
Shu H.
Shu H. (shushine9)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are much smarter then we think !!! Go flipper Go !!!
 
collyn f.
collyn f. (animallover0627)
1 year ago
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lovely story! i love dolphins
 
Ang Y.
Ang Y. (ang13112)
1 year ago
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amazing that they were able to save him
 
American P.
American P. (snspeters)
1 year ago
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WOW! That is awesome! My hubby used to see tons and tons of dolphins around the Navy Ships when he was on deployments!
 
rutseym
rutseym
1 year ago
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dophins are special creatures.
 
Linda W.
Linda W. (equs2)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are amazing animals.
 
lexina
lexina
1 year ago
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i think there are myths about dolphins saving sailors lives so i guess they are true
 
haley1013
haley1013
1 year ago
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amazing how lucky for him
 
theresa s.
theresa s. (mrsmack)
1 year ago
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i have heard about something similar before with dolphins
 
hawley97
hawley97
1 year ago
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Hope he has a full recovery.
 
hawley97
hawley97
1 year ago
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Wow what an interesting story. Dolphins are wonderful creatures!
 
Jamie
Jamie (Sadiesmygirl)
1 year ago
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Gives to saying "Go Dolphins" a whole new meaning.
 
5doxiemom
5doxiemom
1 year ago
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Amazing story
 
Teresa K.
Teresa K. (TeresaKline)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are amazing creatures and this just proves again how wonderful they are.They have a language and communication all their own.
 
Teresa B.
Teresa B. (teresabutler)
1 year ago
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I read this somewwhere else months ago. I believe the shark was supposed to have been a great white. I love dolphins. loved the show flipper. Would love to see one and get in the water with one, one of these days maybe.
 
ruthie
ruthie (ruthiegirl66)
1 year ago
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I've heard of dolphins doing this before, many times as a matter of fact. i hand fed them once and they really are like water dogs, they're smart, friendly and very social, they live in pods which is just like a dog pack. Man's best friend in the water I suppose.
 
8critters
8critters
1 year ago
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Stories of the amazing characteristics of dolphins never cease to amaze me! What a beautiful story of how connected we all are on this earth.
 
Michelle M.
Michelle M. (mmick)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are so cool
 
Michelle M.
Michelle M. (mmick)
1 year ago
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Dolphins are cool!
 
Wyoming County S.
Wyoming County S. (wcspca1)
1 year ago
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these are amazing animals
 
Bunniesgurl
Bunniesgurl
1 year ago
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wow you have to love the sweet animals. bc dolphins are very intelligent and could tell that he was in trouble they saved the day!
 
FruitLoopLucy
FruitLoopLucy
1 year ago
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I just wonder how the dolphins knew this surfer was in trouble, circled him and protected him till he could catch a wave.. I am glad to hear the surfer is healing nicely..
 
FruitLoopLucy
FruitLoopLucy
1 year ago
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I love dolphins they are very smary and protectors.. I hope they will be protected when the time comes..
 
Anne W.
Anne W. (hyjinxannie)
1 year ago
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dolphins are very smart and studies have showed that.
 
Anne W.
Anne W. (hyjinxannie)
1 year ago
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good for the dolphins they just seem to protect, good for that surfer.. I wonder if there has been anymore sharks in the area.
 
suzie80
suzie80
1 year ago
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good to read the surfer will eventully be ok.Good thing the dolphins encircled him.
 
suzie80
suzie80
1 year ago
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I found it strange that sharks can find prey so easily. Dolphins are so smart I wonder if there is a study on dolphins. Would be very interesting..
 
Lonnad
Lonnad
1 year ago
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What a very lucky guy. And what incredible creatures dolphins are!
 
vbliss
vbliss
1 year ago
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Good thing came around the surfer at the time they did. I am glad the surfer is recovering. I wish him good luck
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