MAR 14, 2000

Water Babe

She may float like a butterfly in the water, but its dolphins she wants to swim with... if they'll let her

By Arti Mulchand

MARINE mammal specialist Mark Whitfield was working in a dolphinarium in Perth two years ago when he discovered the way into Mariah Carey's heart.

"She has a really soft spot for dolphins," said the 42-year-old, who now works with the Dolphin Lagoon of the Underwater World at Sentosa.

She had booked the dolphin lagoon in Perth so she could play with them privately.

So Mr Whitfield suggested that the Dolphin Lagoon extend an invitation to her to come meet the pink dolphins. To everyone's surprise, she jumped at the chance.

She decided on dolphins when the private jet she took from Tokyo landed in Singapore -- just after 4 pm on Sunday. The Dolphin Lagoon had no more than 45 minutes to get its act together, including recalling staff.

"It was actually my day off, but I was asked to come in because they knew I had met her before. And it was good to catch up," he said.

But Carey was more interested in catching up with the dolphins, while basking in the attention of photographers.

One tried suggesting that she take off her sunglasses, but got a quick "No way, honey. Try with that flash. It'll make a much better picture."

She asked the dolphins innocently, "Can't we swim?", pleading for a ride. But one of them could not care less and disagreed.

"He's trying to get me under!" she exclaimed.

CAREY WILL TARRY: Her fans will probably remember her for not having done the great Changi dash -- surrounded by security personnel and straight into a waiting car.

For about 15 minutes after emerging from the gate on Sunday, she signed autographs, posed for pictures, accepted gifts and answered questions, fending off security to get up close to fans.

And fans really put on a grand welcome -- with banners, plus CD players blasting her hits.