Operation Free Flipper: Agencies Team Up To Help Stranded Dolphin

• A dolphin got trapped in a drainage canal in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida.
• Several agencies teamed up to help guide the dolphin to safety and check up on him.
• After making sure that the dolphin was healthy enough to return to the ocean, they attached a satellite tag on him and released him to his habitat.

A dolphin was spotted in a drainage canal near the city of Slidell, Louisiana, in the aftermath of Hurricane Ida. To help the poor creature, several agencies teamed up for “Operation Free Flipper.”

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, the National Marine Mammal Foundation, and NOAA Fisheries Service all gathered rescuers to help.

A huge team used kayak puddles to create waves in the water to serve as a guide for the dolphin.

When the dolphin managed to follow the waves into a secure net, he was placed into a water tank inside a van.

Experts then examined the dolphin for any health issues.

The veterinarian said that the 6-foot long bottlenose dolphin is about 2.5 to 3 years old. Fortunately, the dolphin was simply exhausted and is healthy enough to return to the ocean.

The rescuers attached a satellite tag onto the dolphin before his release so that local teams can track his movements and keep watch.

“If it looks off or like he’s in trouble we’ll send crews out to intervene,” said Jon Peterson, a member of the SeaWorld Rescue Team.

Jon called Operation Free Flipper a success. The dolphin was able to swim off safely.

Thanks to the combined effort of these agencies, the dolphin got to return to his habitat.

Source: Inspire More