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Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

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Blog & News

Rescue Team Helps Dolphins Out of a Canal

Rescue Posted September 23, 2019

Rescuers Form a Human Chain to Encourage Dolphins to Move Toward Deeper Water 

Clearwater Marine Aquarium assisted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in successfully encouraging a group of dolphins out of a canal in St. Petersburg on Sept. 17, 2019.

Using a human chain to create a visual barrier, the four dolphins, including two calves, were able to overcome the canal bridges which were believed to be perceived as obstacles.

Rescuers use human chain to help dolphins move out of canal

We’re so thankful to have great partners at FWC and NOAA, and wish to remind the public to please call 727-441-1790 Ext. 1 to report a stranding.

Rescuers from CMA, FWC and NOAA formed a human chain to help dolphins

The rescue was conducted under the authority of Section 109h of the Marine Mammal Protection Act and executed by authorized and trained personnel. Attempting the same behavior in the wild is illegal under the MMPA and can result in serious harm to both humans and animals.


How to Respond If You Find Dolphins in Distress 

If you come across any stranded or distressed dolphins, please call CMA (or your local wildlife rescue organization) right away before intervening. This includes touching, moving, or interacting with the animal in any way. Call our 24-hour rescue hotline before taking any other action: 727-441-1790 Ext. 1.

Previous Post: Dolphin Dorsal Fin Twins Are Not Uncommon
Next Post: Baby Manatee Rescued in Belize

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

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A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

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