Encountering an Injured Dolphin: What to Do and How to Help

Encountering a dolphin in the wild is an unforgettable experience. These intelligent and graceful creatures are a symbol of the ocean’s beauty and vitality. However, sometimes, we may come across a dolphin in distress, whether it’s stranded on the beach or showing signs of injury or illness. Knowing what to do in these situations can make a significant difference in the dolphin’s chances of survival. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss what to do if you encounter an injured dolphin.

1. Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

If you come across an injured dolphin, it’s essential to stay calm and assess the situation carefully. Keep a safe distance from the animal and observe its behavior. Signs of distress may include:

• Difficulty swimming or staying afloat
• Visible injuries such as cuts, wounds, or lesions
• Unusual behavior, such as swimming erratically or beaching itself

2. Contact a Professional

The first step in helping an injured dolphin is to contact a professional who can provide assistance. Depending on where you are located, you may need to contact different organizations:

• United States: Contact the local branch of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) or the nearest marine mammal stranding network.
• International: Contact local marine mammal rescue organizations, wildlife authorities, or animal control.

3. Provide Information

When contacting a professional, provide as much information as possible about the dolphin’s condition and location. Be prepared to provide the following details:

• Exact location of the dolphin (GPS coordinates if possible)
• Description of the dolphin’s condition and any visible injuries
• Any observed behavior, such as difficulty swimming or breathing
• Your contact information in case further information is needed

4. Do Not Attempt to Rescue the Dolphin Yourself

While your instinct may be to help the dolphin, it’s essential to leave rescue efforts to trained professionals. Attempting to rescue an injured dolphin yourself can be dangerous for both you and the animal. Dolphins are wild animals and can become aggressive when stressed or frightened. Additionally, you may inadvertently cause further injury to the animal by mishandling it.

5. Keep the Dolphin Cool and Wet

While waiting for help to arrive, you can help keep the dolphin comfortable by keeping it cool and wet. Use wet towels or clothing to cover the dolphin’s skin and prevent it from drying out. Pour water over the dolphin’s body to keep its skin moist, but be careful not to force water into its blowhole.

6. Keep the Dolphin Supported

If the dolphin is unable to swim on its own, you can gently support it in shallow water until help arrives. Be sure to support the dolphin’s body under the chest and tail, taking care not to put pressure on its blowhole.

7. Keep People and Pets Away

While waiting for help to arrive, it’s essential to keep other people and pets away from the injured dolphin. This will help reduce stress on the animal and prevent further injury to both the dolphin and bystanders.

8. Do Not Attempt to Feed the Dolphin

Feeding an injured dolphin can do more harm than good, as it may not be able to properly digest food in its weakened state. Additionally, feeding the dolphin can encourage it to stay in the area, making it more vulnerable to predators or further injury.

9. Observe from a Distance

While it’s important to keep an eye on the injured dolphin, it’s equally important to maintain a safe distance and avoid unnecessary interaction. This will help reduce stress on the animal and allow trained professionals to assess the situation more effectively.

10. Follow Up with Authorities

After reporting the injured dolphin, follow up with the authorities to ensure that help has arrived and that the dolphin is receiving the care it needs. If you have any additional information or updates about the dolphin’s condition, be sure to share it with the professionals involved in its rescue and rehabilitation.

Encountering an injured dolphin can be a distressing experience, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in the animal’s chances of survival. By staying calm, contacting a professional, and providing assistance while waiting for help to arrive, you can help ensure that the injured dolphin receives the care it needs. Remember, it’s important to leave rescue efforts to trained professionals and avoid attempting to rescue the dolphin yourself. With your help and the expertise of professionals, injured dolphins have the best possible chance of recovery and returning to the wild where they belong.