A Happy Ending for a rope entangled dolphin
Tales from the Lagoon ~ Episode- A Happy Ending for a Rope Entangled Dolphin
Rain started early this morning, so I thought I would share dolphin shenanigans from yesterday after sunrise. A pod of moms and their babies came in to play, feed and share lots of affection.
Watching the moms and babies give affection is truly heart melting. The loving, touching and squeezing was so sweet that the love was palpable. The moms were very patient and seemed to love playing with the kiddos.
Momma Jade is a momma dolphin I met April 2019. In April 2019 she had a new baby Ruby, recently I met her latest baby who I’m calling Opal. Opal seems to enjoy her independence while Ruby always wanted to be touching her mom. I’m pretty certain Ruby was also with Momma Jade and Opal yesterday.
Recently a 3 year old dolphin named Abby was entangled in a rope around her dorsal fin and dragging in the water. Her mom stayed glued to her side for the past 3 days. They stayed away from the other dolphins during those days as well.
The Hubbs Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Team came out to assess the situation and found somehow the rope was gone! Yesterday, I saw Abby playing with the other kiddos! So great to see her free from that rope, I'm sure her mom was relieved too! Ahhhh, a happy ending.
From the HUBBS team, “These animals have been known to approach and patrol fishers. You can help prevent entanglements by reeling in your line if dolphins are near. Report entangled or injured dolphins to MyFWC Florida Fish and Wildlife : 1-888-404-3922.”
The HUBBS team has what I consider a heart wrenching job, they are the amazing people who rescue our injured or entangled dolphins or worse, the ones who don’t make it. If you want to help support them, please check out their fundraiser.
https://hswri.harnessapp.com/wv2/campaign/5479
Wishing you a happy day friends!
A mom and her youngin’
Momma Jade and Opal
Abby a 3 year old dolphin with an adult dolphin staying close. She was able to get free after 3 days.
Abby with the rope on her dorsal fin