A YOUNG dolphin had a lucky escape after it became stranded on a beach in County Donegal.
Yesterday a juvenile dolphin "in very poor body condition" was found beached on the sand at a Donegal strand and was in danger of dying if it was not returned to the water quickly.
Irish animal charity ORCA Ireland were alerted to the sick Risso's Dolphin and multiple volunteers rushed to the scene, including what the charity have dubbed 'Ocean Heroes' who worked tirelessly to get the calf back out to sea.
Thankfully the mission was a success, and the calf was removed from the sand on Magheroarty Beach, County Donegal and brought back to where it belonged-- although the charity organisation has warned it may re-strand again.
In a statement-- which includes some incredible photographs of the rescue in action-- ORCA Ireland congratulated everyone involved in saving the young dolphin, and urged anyone who notices a marine animal in distress to call their hotline.
"ORCA Marine Mammal Responders Cat Mc Cann, Amanda Doherty went to the scene but thanks to local #oceanheroes: Tina Creane, Mervin and Adam Davidson, Ray and Dawn Gill and a couple of gentlemen the calf was successfully re-floated and given another chance at life.
"We have seen amazing communities rally together in recent marine mammals emergencies and it is truly inspiring!
"Unfortunately this dolphin is in very poor body condition and so may likely re-strand", they warned, and asked any local people who may visit Magheroarty Beach to keep an eye out and call them "immediately" on the ORCA Marine Mammal Responders Hotline on 00353 89 462 53 74 should the calf be seen again.
You can follow ORCA Ireland's vital work on their Facebook page here.
See More: Charity, Dolphin, Donegal, Orca Ireland, Rescue
