When Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network got a call about a dolphin stranded in a very shallow lagoon in the middle of a residential neighborhood in South Carolina, it was hard to believe the report was real. After some investigating, though, the sighting was confirmed, and several teams sprang into action.
“The animal swam up there due to excessive rainfall and high tides,” Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network wrote on Instagram. “As the water receded, she became stuck due to shallow water and fallen trees.”
The Dodo
Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network teamed up with the Bluffton Fire Department, and together they headed to the lagoon, where the poor dolphin was waiting for someone to help her. She was miles away from the ocean, and it wasn’t going to be easy getting her back home.
The dolphin, who weighed approximately 500 pounds, was loaded onto a marine rescue tarp, and it took eight people to carry her out of the water and 75 feet up to a utility trailer. Her rescuers examined her to make sure she was doing OK — and soon realized they knew her.
“After a quick health check she was determined to be a 7-foot female known to local researchers at USC Bluffton as Lucky,” Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network wrote. “She’s regularly seen in the May River.”
The Dodo
The team traveled 2 miles, never leaving Lucky’s side, until they reached deeper waters and a safe release spot. They lifted Lucky up again, pouring water on her along the way to make sure she stayed hydrated. Then they began the final trek down to the water.
The Dodo
After two hours of rescuing and transporting, Lucky was finally released back where she belonged. She immediately splashed into the water, so happy to be home.
The team was incredibly proud of how they were able to rescue Lucky, and wished her a safe journey and a happy life as she swam off.
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