This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Wayward Dolphin Won't Get Forced Out of Wetlands
The dolphin was first seen swimming in circles on Friday, April 27, 2012 (Screenshot/ABC7)
A wayward dolphin that has been laying low in local wetlands since Friday will not be prodded out to open waters, say marine animal experts, unless its health deteriorates.
The dolphin, a female weighing an estimated 500 pounds, was first spotted Friday morning swimming in circles in the Bolsa Chica Wetlands in Huntington Beach. A crew from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) was immediately dispatched to ascertain the mammal's condition and to interfere, if necessary.
However, by later that day, the PMMC crew determined it would be best to let the dolphin be, since the animal did not seem to be in peril or ill.
Today, the observation continues, according to City News Service.
"We're going to observe, and make decisions minute by minute,'' said veteran sea mammal wrangler Peter Wallerstein of the El Segundo-based nonprofit Marine Animal Rescue group.
Wallerstein says forcing the dolphin out of the wetlands might do more harm than good: "It could be a death blow to the dolphin if we force him or her out of the wetlands,'' into a pod that would bully it, Wallerstein said, citing aggression among dolphins.
On the weekend, marine mammal experts were able to coax the dolphin into deeper water, but apparently other dolphins bullied the "wayward" mammal and she retreated back into the shallower lagoon waters.
Sponsored message
The dolphin is faring well in the wetlands, and managing to get enough food and water. Experts believe that the dolphin wound up in the wetlands Friday while following some food.
This video released early Saturday shows the crowd gathered to check out the stranded dolphin:
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
