A Cape Cod rehab facility for dolphins treated and released its first at-risk animal after a dolphin was recently stranded on a Cape beach.
The Dolphin Rescue Center, a first-of-its kind short-term rehabilitation facility for dolphins and porpoises, reported that it received and successfully released its first patient earlier this week.
Those with the International Fund for Animal Welfare responded to the stranded dolphin in Brewster, and then transported the at-risk animal in its mobile dolphin rescue vehicle to IFAW’s Dolphin Rescue Center in Orleans.
After less than 24 hours at the center, the dolphin was brought to Herring Cove, where the animal was released back into the water with a small temporary satellite tag.
“This is a major innovative step forward for our program that will advance and inform marine mammal rescue efforts globally,” said Brian Sharp, director of IFAW’s marine mammal rescue team.
“This facility fills a critical unmet need on the Cape where our team responds to an average of 70 live dolphins per year,” Sharp added.
After receiving a report on Sunday morning of a live dolphin being stuck and thrashing in the surf on a Brewster beach, the IFAW team safely secured the animal and brought it to the rescue center.
The dolphin received around-the-clock care from IFAW’s team of veterinary experts, rescue staff, and volunteer responders who continuously monitored the animal, and reassessed its health based on diagnostics — including serial blood work and ultrasound.
Animals are only held as long as their clinical signs show they are not releasable, with a maximum time of four days in the center.
“For this dolphin, additional care was the only way for the animal to have a chance at survival,” said Sarah Sharp, IFAW’s animal rescue veterinarian. “He was suffering from shock, seawater aspiration, and trauma from the stranding event, but responded well to supportive care and treatments the team provided.”
The Dolphin Rescue Center seeks to improve post-release survival for live stranded small cetaceans suffering from acute conditions.
Through the advanced diagnostics and extended care at the center, the work there is expected to help inform treatment protocols and decisions for stranded dolphins across the globe.
The center will also provide training to regional, national and international responders as part of IFAW’s Academy of Rescue and Conservation.
