Locals from the Ngunguru village were quick to call Dr Ingrid Visser with regards to a stranded bottlenose dolphin. She was situated on the sandspit side of the estuary, requiring ferrying across to be able to help her. Local boat owners were very kind in helping with this and also provided follow-up assistance allowing other members of the group to be photographed.
This female dolphin was nick-named 'Guru' after her stranding location. She comfortably awaited rescue as the tide returned. Dr Visser was able to take measurements and assess her overall condition. From photographs taken at the rescue and once she was released, Floppy (Jo) Haliday, another Whale Rescue team member was able to identify her. This dolphin is known in the Bay of Islands as 'Dolly' so her name became 'Dolly-Guru'. She has since been repeatedly sighted in the Bay of Islands - clearly showing that rescues are worthwhile and do allow individuals to return to their home ranges.
| Name | Bottlenose dolphin |
|---|---|
| Image |
 |
| Suborder | Odontoceti |
| Family | Delphinidae |
| Max. size - Male | 3.8 m (12.4 ft) |
| Calf size | 1-1.3 m (3.2-4.2 ft) |
| Max. weight - Male | 650 kg |
| Food | generalist feeders taking fish, squid and occasionally crustaceans (e.g., shrimp) |
| Latin name | Tursiops truncatus |
| Location | Ngunguru Estuary |
|---|---|
| Latitude | |
| Longitude | |
| Number of Whales | 1 |
| Number rescued/saved | 1 |
Ingrid has attended numerous mass and individual strandings. She is experienced in sampling and data collection at these events, and in the use of refloatation Rescue Pontoons and other rescue equipment. She has served on the Board and was a trainer for another stranding rescue group.
To all those from Ngunguru who were able to help Dolly-Guru.
Whale Rescue is a volunteer organisation, run by volunteers. There are lots of different ways that you can help us to continue rescuing whales and dolphins.