New Cape Cod facility for dolphins treats, releases first patient

A first-of-its-kind rehabilitation facility on Cape Cod for dolphins treated and released its first patient over the weekend. 

The Dolphin Rescue Center, which opened in August, took in an injured dolphin that was stuck in the surf on a beach in Brewster on Sunday, representatives for the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) said. It was released less than 24 hours later, after receiving care from veterinarians and rescue staff. 

Rescue center to help dolphins stranded off Cape Cod

The rescue center, located in Orleans, was created to address the “mass strandings” of dolphins in Cape Cod, a spokesperson for IFAW said. The center, which became operational late last year, takes in dolphins and porpoises. 

“This is a major innovative step forward for our program that will advance and inform marine mammal rescue efforts globally,” said Brian Sharp, director of IFAW’s marine mammal rescue team, in a statement. “The facility fills a critical unmet need on the Cape where our team responds to an average of 70 live dolphins per year.”

IFAW said 30% of cases involving live stranded dolphins would benefit from the care provided at the center. 

The dolphin recovered from stranding injuries

The first dolphin to be treated at the center was rescued Sunday morning. IFAW transported and admitted the dolphin to the center due to “poor release conditions from bad weather and the animal’s compromised health.”

“During its short stay at the center, the animal received around-the-clock care from IFAW’s team of veterinary experts, rescue staff, and volunteer responders who continuously monitored the animal, and reassessed its health based on diagnostics including serial blood work and ultrasound,” IFAW said.

The dolphin was suffering from shock, trauma, and seawater aspiration from the stranding, officials said, but was able to recover. It was released at Herring Cove in Cape Cod and fitted with a temporary satellite tag. 

“For this dolphin, additional care was the only way for the animal to have a chance at survival,” said Sarah Sharp, IFAW’s animal rescue veterinarian. 

Work at the rescue center aims to inform treatment protocols for stranded dolphins globally, according to IFAW, and will provide training to regional, national, and international responders.