Refloated dolphin confirmed with calf a year later - Courtesy of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group
July 2013. A bottlenose dolphin that live-stranded in North Kerry and was refloated in June 2012, and was subsequently photographed from dolphin tour boats in the Shannon Estuary, has now been sighted at least three times this year, and each time with a calf. Remarkably, this means that the dolphin was about 9 months pregnant when she stranded last year.
Refloating stranded cetaceans
There is occasionally some debate about the effectiveness of refloating stranded dolphins (and whales) as it is sometimes thought that they strand for a reason, usually that they are ill. Refloated whales often restrand shortly afterwards. However the experience with this dolphin shows that it is absolutely worthwhile making the effort. This dolphin is one of a small population that live in and around the Shannon Estuary, and her genes have now been passed on to the next generation.
Stranded in Co Kerry
The female bottlenose dolphin live-stranded at Béal, Co. Kerry, on the shores of the Shannon Estuary, on 1 June 2012. The 3.5m female bottlenose dolphin was lying on the sand about 10m from the waterline, but appeared to be in perfect condition and had no signs of injury. She didn't seem in a very distressed state despite her predicament and her skin was still moist, but she was starting to overheat.
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