Baby dolphin dies after getting separated from mum and trapped in village river
A young dolphin tragically died after getting separated from its mum and trapped in a river near a Cambridgeshire village.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue charity (BDMLR) raced to rescue the creature at around 7.30pm on Saturday after it became ensnared in reeds close to Pymoor, a staggering 45 miles away from open water. Firefighters were also called in to assist.
The dolphin was found deeply wedged into the reeds - plants known for their thick hollow stems that can reach heights of up to 5m. Despite efforts to cut back the plants and administer first aid to the mammal, its condition deteriorated.
The young dolphin was found deeply wedged into the reeds (BDMLR / SWNS)The charity said the dolphin made little attempt to swim and was carried back to the bank by the river's current. Sadly, the decision was made to euthanise the dolphin on welfare grounds at roughly 1am. The young dolphin, which appeared visibly stressed, is believed to be one of a pair that had been sighted as far inland as Bluntisham over recent days, approximately 45 miles from open water.
BDMLR wrote: "There was some minor visible trauma to the dolphin's dorsal area and its breathing rate was elevated. The young dolphin was almost certainly maternally dependent and would need to be able to find its mother if it were to have a chance of survival, but with no sightings of an adult in that area of the river, it was looking more likely that they had become separated before the calf stranded."
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"The Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme will carry out a post mortem examination which will give us an insight into the health of the dolphin calf, and determine how long it has been in the river. We are still looking out for the other dolphin to track its movements and monitor its health.
The young dolphin is believed to be one of a pair that had been sighted as far inland as Bluntisham (BDMLR / SWNS)"If she can find her way back out to sea without intervention that would be the preferred outcome, however we are considering other options if we have further cause for concern over welfare." Meanwhile, members of the public are advised against approaching or interfering with the dolphin as it could cause distress and complicate the situation.
The charity expressed its gratitude towards the Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service for their support throughout the incident, as well as BDMLR medics James Bryan, Abs Ginimav, and Becky Carter. Referring to the rescue operation, the Cambs Fire Service stated: "Sadly not all rescues have the outcome we hope for, but the team did everything they could to help this young dolphin."
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