When a spotted dolphin was found stranded between rocks and a sandbank on uMhlanga Beach in South Africa, several teams sprang into action. Alerted to the case early in the morning, KZN Marine Stranding Network mobilized and – upon assessing the scene – coordinated several parties for the rescue. The animal seemed to be in good health with a strong heart and respiratory system. It was thus soon after that the animal could be refloated with the help of NSRI, Durban Metro Search & Rescue, Ethewini Life Guards and Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, and “swam off strongly” to a large pond of dolphins nearby.
But the dolphin beached again only 20 minutes later. With the new location being much more difficult to work in, the animal was relocated back to the prior rescue site to be refloated from there. Efforts had to be stopped, however, as the animal’s condition deteriorated quickly. A veterinarian was called to assist the scene. Upon assessing the dolphin’s poor health and the realization that “rehabilitation and/or release were not an option for this animal”, a joint decision for euthanization was made with the authority of Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife and the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries.
The KZN Marine Stranding Network concluded by thanking all the helpers for their joint work – the Sea World team (Saambr), DBN Metro Search & Rescue, Ethewini lifeguards, Ethewini Parks Department, Sea Rescue Ballito - Station 41, and members of the public. It was very unfortunate that the efforts eventually succumbed to the animal's health.
The KZN Marine Stranding Network release can be found on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/pg/kznmarinestrandingnetwork/posts/?ref=page_internal
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