A family vacationing on a Scottish island will go home with a unique story to tell after they saved 19 dolphins stranded on the beach Friday.
Finlay Meakin, 13, asked his mother and uncle for help when he stumbled upon the stranded dolphin pod, and they immediately came to the rescue. They did not notify officials, but instead spent two hours moving all the dolphins safely back into deeper waters, utilizing their luggage straps to lift the heavy animals.
Though this is a success story, it's important to note that there are guidelines for what to do when you come across a stranded marine mammal. According to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC), the most important thing is to enlist help from experts. Many countries have "stranding networks" of experts who are specially trained in how to deal with stranding emergencies and have veterinary specialists also.
Anyone who comes across a stranded marine animal, such as a dolphin or whale, is advised to approach with care, make sure the blowhole (through which the whale or dolphin breathes) is not submerged under water, and not drag the animal by the tail or fin.
Also, marine animals may carry diseases or cause injuries to rescuers by violently thrashing around, so approaching them poses certain risks.
"Persons handling marine mammals are at risk from infection by the numerous microorganisms normally present in the aquarium or marine environment, by the microorganisms that constitute the normal flora of the animal, as well as by the pathogenic microorganisms that cause disease in various marine mammals," Miami Seaquarium, which offers activities such as swimming with dolphins, wrote on their website.
According to Uncover California, dolphins or whales that find themselves stranded are usually sick or suffering from an infection. Pneumonia and parasites are among the most common causes in beached dolphins, though weather and human activities are also factors in strandings.
[Credit: SWNS TV]