Stranded dolphin rescued, released off Cape Cod [WATCH]

PROVINCTOWN, Mass. — A young Risso’s dolphin was released after being stranded off a beach on Cape Cod.

The 550-pound dolphin was found off Point of Rocks Beach in Brewster and transported to deeper waters off Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown. The Risso’s species of dolphin is often mistaken for a whale due to its large size, according to the International Fund for Animal Welfare.

The species is born uniformly gray and accumulates white scars over time from socializing and hunting prey.

A call came in to the IFAW’s Stranding Hotline around 3 p.m. on Tuesday, alerting rescuers to an animal in distress. The female dolphin “appeared dehydrated, slightly stressed, and had a few minor wounds,” but was deemed a candidate for release, the IFAW said.

The response required 25 staff, interns, volunteers and AmeriCorps Cape Cod members due to the dolphin’s size. The animal was treated for dehydration and shock during transport to Provinctown.

“This is the first Risso’s dolphin the team has rescued and released since March of 2017.” said IFAW Animal Rescue Officer Misty Niemeyer. “Risso’s typically prefer deep, open ocean. In the northwest Atlantic they are typically found along the continental shelf from Florida to Newfoundland.”

The dolphin was released off Provincetown at 6:45 p.m. Tuesday night. A temporary satellite tag was affixed to the animal’s dorsal fin, which is now transmitting from the Atlantic Ocean.

Stranded Risso's dolphin rescued, released off Cape Cod

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