Common dolphins are typically found in small to large groups, not as individuals. It is unclear why this one was alone, however once taken out to sea and released it swam off towards the Poor Knight Islands.
A prompt call from an observer at Wellington's Bay, near Tutukaka had the Whale Rescue team on site within minutes. The dolphin was found to be alert but apparently disorientated.
Once it became stranded it was moved into the calmest part of the Bay and kept wet until a boat from Dive Tutukaka arrived to take it out to sea. Measurements taken during this time found it to be 1.9 m long. The dolphin was taken approximately 3km off shore and gently lowered into the water, whilst being supported by two swimmers.
It was held for 5 minutes and moved in a slow circle to allow it to flex its muscles and orientate to the area. Once released it rolled onto its side then immediately uprighted itself and swam towards a piece of floating seaweed, which it inspected as it swam past. The dolphin then was observed underwater to swim strongly and headed towards the Poor Knight Islands, an area where common dolphins are frequently sighted. The rescue (from the first phone call to the dolphin swimming off) took less than two hours.
| Name | Common dolphin |
|---|---|
| Image |
 |
| Suborder | Odontoceti |
| Family | Delphinidae |
| Max. size - Male | 2.7 m (8.8 ft) |
| Max. size - Female | 2.2 m (7.2 ft) |
| Calf size | 80-90 cm (2.6-2.9 ft) |
| Max. weight - Male | 200 kg |
| Food | schooling fish and squid |
| Latin name | Delphinus delphis |
| Location | Tutukaka |
|---|---|
| Latitude | -35.63530 |
| Longitude | 174.53044 |
| 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.
Dive Tutukaka for the kind use of their boat as a dolphin taxi.
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.