CWN Photo: Dolphins inside an IFAW rescue trailer before their release at Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown
PROVINCETOWN – Five dolphins were found stranded in Wellfleet Wednesday afternoon by staff from the Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary who were taking a walk during lunch near their facility.
Crews from the Yarmouth Port-based International Fund for Animal Welfare responded to the scene and were able to rescue four of the dolphins and transport them to Provincetown for release.
The fourth dolphin was not healthy enough to be released and had to be euthanized at the stranding location in Wellfleet.
Photo courtesy: IFAW/Kerry Branon
IFAW spokesperson Kerry Branon said the team evaluated the dolphins in their rescue trailer and provided treatment to prepare them for release at Herring Cove Beach.
On arrival in Provincetown, several people were already at the beach to watch the late afternoon sunset and many stayed to watch the operation. Some assisted in the effort by pointing the headlights of their vehicles onto the sand so rescuers could see a clear path down to the water.
In addition to the staff from IFAW, volunteers from Americorps Cape Cod also took place in the effort.
The dolphins, one of which had a satellite tag attached for tracking, were brought to Provincetown in a large IFAW marine animal rescue trailer.
