The kids and I were on our way home from the pond, talking about getting an ice cream. All that changed when I got a call to check on some dolphins swimming too close to shore. I was right down the street from the beach. The kids were great while I stayed there, making friends with some other kids and playing at the edge of the water.
Had to ask people to stay back and out of water while the Zodiac tried to "move" the pod to deeper water. That didn't work...neither did these underwater pingers they use which emit a sound which should send the dolphins back out. Looked like a stranding for sure, so luckily I got the kids home to Pep as he got home from work.
13 common dolphins stranded, 2 died, but 11 were able to be transported for release. This involves moving them onto slings, then onto carts across the sand to the animal ambulance where blood is taken and vitals monitored.
Happily, the remaining 11 were good to go and they were transported in 2 trailers. We suited up with waders, life jackets, and glow sticks around our necks. We released all 11.... 5 and then 6 at a time. So great to see them off and spouting in the distance. Their glow tags on their dorsal fins were reflecting and we could see them head out under a star-filled sky. I am glad I keep those big waders in my trunk. They came in handy going out into chest-deep water.
A good ending to the day:))
1 comment:
So cool, Mom! People pay like $59302570284 to swim with dolphins... and you save them!
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