Dolphin Stuck In South Jersey Creek Dies

CAPE MAY COURTHOUSE, NJ — A bottlenose dolphin that had been stuck in a South Jersey creek for several days has died, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said.

The center said the dolphin died as a team of more than a dozen people tried to rescue it from Skeeter Island Creek in Cape May Courthouse, where it had been since May 16.

"Our entire team is deeply saddened about this outcome," the center said in a post on its Facebook page. "Out-of-habitat cetaceans are the most difficult scenario in marine mammal rescue. As animals that live in the open ocean, this type of habitat is foreign to them and causes immense stress, making the chances of rescue and survival slim."

The center said the team went to the creek on Friday morning to try again to rescue the dolphin, six days after its prior attempt on May 18 in a "highly coordinated response."

"A series of less-invasive tactics were deployed first to attempt to herd the dolphin out of the area without physical capture and handling, including specialized herding equipment," the center said. "In-water captures are high risk as they pose a significant danger to both the dolphin as well as the responders. In this case, when the less-invasive techniques failed, the decision was made to attempt an in-water capture as a last resort. Using the boats, a net was deployed around the dolphin and brought towards shore."

"Unfortunately, once inside the net, the dolphin immediately panicked and expired within two minutes," the center said.

The dolphin was taken to the New Jersey Animal Health and Diagnostic Lab for a full necropsy, and samples were being submitted for acoustic testing, officials said.

This is not the first time a dolphin has gotten stuck in this section of the creek. A bottlenose dolphin was stuck there in August 2016, and was eventually rescued and returned to the bay.

"The Marine Mammal Stranding Center would like to thank our dedicated staff, veterinarian, and volunteers, as well as the following agencies for their support: Middle Township Fire Department, Middle Township Police Department, Middle Township Dive Team, Middle Township EMS, NJ Fish and Wildlife Conservation Officers, and NOAA Office of Law Enforcement," the center said.

Previous reporting: Bottlenose Dolphin Stuck In South Jersey Creek For Several Days