Wednesday, September 21, 2005

Displaced dolphins are rescued off Mississippi

Although I have real mixed feelings about the fact that these were, and are, captive dolphins, I do appreciate the fact that so many were concerned with their welfare and set about to do their best to rescue them...especially as three had been born in captivity, and most likely would not have fared well in the wild (as exemplified by their weight-loss).

Here's a link to my own experience swimming with a wild dolphin who had been truly rescued, due to injuries suffered in the wild.

"JACKSON, Miss. - The last of eight trained dolphins were rescued from the Mississippi Sound after spending weeks in the wild since Hurricane Katrina struck.



The dolphins who lived in captivity at the Marine Life Oceanarium in Gulfport were swept out to sea and scientists have been concerned about their safety ever since, said Connie Barclay, spokeswoman for the National Marine Fisheries Service. The four remaining dolphins were rescued Tuesday.

'I think it's been good news for a lot of people who have had a lot of bad news lately,' Barclay said. 'We have gotten calls and letters from all over the country.'

Before the hurricane hit the coast, the dolphins were moved to a pool at the Marine Life Oceanarium that had withstood the destruction of Hurricane Camille in 1969. Katrina destroyed that pool and pulled the mammals out to sea.

“Three of the dolphins were born at the facility, and had never been in the wild, compacting our concern for their well-being,” said Moby Solangi, owner and director for the Marine Life Aquarium."

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