Caretakers say dolphins at popular spot miss tourists and keep leaving 'gifts' on shore

[MineralMan]

4. That's not surprising, nor are the gifts.

Animals seek diversions and put a high value on play. Food is important, too, but interactions between humans and animals are rewarding for both.

We all understand the relationships we have with our pets, if we have pets. But, we often miss noticing relationships with other animals. If you feed birds in your yard, try stopping doing that for a couple of days. You'll soon discover that they know who is bringing out the food, and they'll show up to remind you. For example, if our hummingbird feeder is empty, the hummingbirds will come up and hover at our front window to remind us. Same with other birds.

Crows often leave shiny objects in our yard. Why? I can't say for sure, but they eat in the yard, as well.

So, yes, the dolphins (porpoises) at that location are used to the food they get, but they are also used to and enjoy the interactions with the humans they encounter, and miss that when it is not available.

We're animals, too. It shouldn't be too hard for us to imagine the reasons other animals seek out our company.