10 dolphins released back to the wild after seven-hour rescue off Wellfleet, MA

(Cape Cod, MA – April 24, 2024) – Ten dolphins were released back to the wild today following a near seven-hour stranding response in Wellfleet, MA. The dolphins were rescued in a highly coordinated response effort across two mass stranding locations and released back to deeper waters, thanks to experts in the area.  

Staff and volunteers from IFAW received the first report of 11 Atlantic white-sided dolphins close to shore off Wellfleet late Tuesday afternoon, three hours before low tide.  

Eight dolphins were found in Duck Creek, near Wellfleet Town Pier. Three were found in a part of the Herring River known locally as “The Gut,” a frequent stranding location due to its shallow slopes, hook-like shape, and extreme tidal fluctuations. Both have incredibly harsh conditions for rescues. 

“This rescue had many challenges due to the number of dolphins, the difficult mud conditions, and having to deal with two simultaneous mass strandings," said Lauren Cooley IFAW Stranding Biologist. “The team was able to overcome all of these challenges to give these dolphins their best chance at survival.” 

Six of the dolphins were transported to a deeper water release site off Provincetown, MA, traveling in IFAW's mobile dolphin rescue clinic. This one-of-a-kind vehicle was custom designed to meet the needs of what is considered a global stranding hotspot on Cape Cod. The vehicle enables IFAW veterinarians and experts to perform health assessments and stabilize the dolphins while quickly reaching the best site for release.  

While one animal died on scene due to trauma associated with the event, the remaining dolphins were rescued from the challenging mud and transported in a separate response vehicle for release in Provincetown. All ten dolphins were released together. 

“While the dolphins suffered from stress related to the stranding, we’re very optimistic and full of hope for their return to deeper waters,” added Cooley. 

The entire effort included about 45 people, including 15 AmeriCorps members and IFAW staff and volunteers. 

ENDS 

Photo editors: High resolution images available HERE (©IFAW) 

• On CAPE COD, or along the southern coast to RI, call or text IFAW’s Stranding Hotline at (508) 743-9548  
• For Plymouth, MA to Marshfield, MA: Whale and Dolphin Conservation at (617) 688-6872 
• Scituate, MA to Rockport, MA and Martha’s Vineyard: NOAA at (866) 755-6622.    
• NEW HAMPSHIRE to Essex, MA: Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammals Strandings at (603) 997-9448,  
• MAINE: Marine Mammals of Maine (800) 532-9551  
• NANTUCKET: Marine Mammal Alliance Nantucket (833) 667-6626  

Press Contact: 

Aaron Teitelbaum 
Communications Manager 
Washington, DC 
m: +1 (202) 677-2670 
e: ateitelbaum@ifaw.org