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Moko, New Zealand's much-loved friendly dolphin, was laid to rest today for the final time.
He was ferried from Tauranga over to Matakana Island where his body washed ashore 10 days ago, and was farewelled by local Iwi, former minders, and conservation staff.
During the ceremony sobs rang out from mourners as Moko was lowered into his final resting place.
Moko was an animal who seemed to behave like a person and today he was farewelled as if he really were.
"I think its the first time ever we've had a dolphin thats gone through a whole funeral process like this," said Pouroto Ngaropo from the Ngati Rangi Iwi.
Moko's journey started in the early hours from Tauranga to Matakana Island, where his tribute-laiden coffin was carried by mourners, many of whom had attended the public service yesterday.
Today was a more sombre occasion, for those closest to Moko.
"He was my best friend, my baby, my big fella," said former Moko minder Kirsty Carrington.
"We had a connection and a bond that people don't get everyday with wild mammals."
It seemed Moko had come into contact with so many people and each and everyone had a fond memory.
"He touched my heart in a way I cant ever explain to anyone and he changed my life in a big way," said Whakatane resident Karen Esterhuizen.
Moko had a special place in the hearts of Maori, who believe his ancestors guided their ancestors here from Tahiti, hundreds of years ago.
"Moko to most of us wasn't just a dolphin, he was a gift," said Ngaropo.
"And the way that he interacted and played with our children, the way that he touched our lives was such that he got into the inner emotion of us as the community, because of his beautiful and lovely nature."
A post-mortem failed to reveal just how the three-year-old dolphin died, though DOC ruled out any act of violence or collision with a boat.
