Australia's Snubfin Dolphin achieved international fame recently when the normally camera-shy Snubbies were spotted in waters off the West Australian Kimberley coastline. The ING DIRECT dolphin research boat was on hand to capture some great pictures allowing us a closer glimpse of the cute Snubfins.

The move to research Snubfin activity in Western Australia was made possible through customers support via our online statement program securing additional ING DIRECT donations. A great win for all our customers! As Australia’s only endemic dolphin, “Snubby”, as he’s affectionately known, is the first dolphin species to be discovered globally in decades. Customer support through the online statements campaign is truly helping research expand to learn more about Snubby and ultimately, help protect this species.

This project truly demonstrates how customers can make a huge difference by undertaking small environmentally responsible activities. Just in case you missed the national coverage, check out Snubby here

Earlier this year, we committed $50,000 to kick start the Snubby research project after Australia’s only dolphin stole our hearts! Supporting this donation, ING DIRECT paid over $70,000 in donations for customers switching to online statements and this amount is still growing! Over 51,000 customers have made the switch to no longer receive e-statements as part of the project, prompting media around the country to draw attention to this fantastic effort.

The unexpected discovery of the Snubfin Dolphin off Townsville in Queensland in 2005 was a fantastic addition to our knowledge of Australian marine mammals. Since the start of our research project earlier this year we’ve identified approximately 200 Snubbies and we are beginning to piece together more detail about this tiny population that lives so close to our coastline.

We know that coastal dolphins may well be endangered being more under pressure than any others. Research of this type is therefore critical to assist in finding ways to conserve Australia’s own dolphin.

ING DIRECT is supporting in every way we can but to continue this great work your help is needed so this project stays afloat.