A new environmental campaign asks people to support some of the best loved and most at risk sea animals.
Maui's dolphins used to be common in Hawke's Bay and around the North Island but now number just 111, and are found mostly at Manukau Harbour and Port Waikato.
The "Adopt a Dolphin"
campaign was being run by Forest and Bird, with the Department of Conservation and environmentally friendly cleaning product company Down to Earth, to protect New Zealand's most endangered dolphins.
The project also supported Hector's dolphins, the world's smallest dolphin, which had a population of less than 8000.
Forest and Bird's Nic Vallance said the adoption campaign with Down To Earth was a good way to connect with families and kids.
"It's a way to engage people with what's at stake," she said.
"It's about saving the world's smallest dolphin and the world's rarest dolphin."
Forest and Bird had run successful animal-specific campaigns before but had not used the adopt an animal format.
"It's a chance for people to follow the progress and share stories with other people who are involved."
For $39 people would receive an adoption pack including a personalised adoption certificate, a booklet on Hector's and Maui's dolphins and a photo of their adopted dolphin.
More information about the scheme was available on the website www.adoptadolphin.co.nz.
People can also follow updates on the Maui's and Hector's dolphins at Mauis111 on Facebook and Twitter.
