Ocean Sentry
(From stuff.co.nz) – The mature male dolphin beached near Whakatu Quay about 8.45am and had to be rescued by Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers.
DOC Kaikoura ranger Paul McGahan said he discovered the dolphin while watching hundreds of dolphins playing off the Kaikoura coast. He tried to free the dolphin three times before calling for reinforcements. The dolphin was bleeding but not thought to be badly injured.
Other dolphins swam just offshore while the rescue took place while a small crowd of onlookers also came down to the beach.
The dolphin was lifted on to an inflatable kayak which was then straddled by DOC ranger Mike Morrissey while Mr McGahan paddled.
The dolphin was released and rescuers watched as it swam out to sea.
Other dolphins had disappeared, but dolphins could sense each other from several kilometres away, Mr McGahan said.
