Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Please note: All of the TMMSN conservation efforts are supported entirely by voluntary donations and grants. If you would like to support our marine mammal rescue and recovery work please visit our wish list, where you can donate needed items or make a tax-deductible cash contribution.

The TMMSN Rescues Two Bottlenose Dolphins

Click here for the Cagney and Lacey Release Picture Slideshow 1
Cagney and Lacey Slideshow 2
Cagney and Lacey Slideshow 3

**August 6 Update** 2200 Hrs

Good News! The two bottlenose dolphins rescued by the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network on August 5, 2008, have been successfully released into the Gulf of Mexico at the location of their stranding. The two female dolphins, dubbed Cagney and Lacey, are now back swimming freely in their wild ocean home. Thanks to everyone who helped with the rescue, and the organization and execution of the successful release. Enjoy the Cagney and Lacey Release Slideshow above.

**August 6 Update** 0930 Hrs
After close observation of the animals, it is believed that they were brought in by the storm and left stranded on the beach. The two dolphins are in good body condition and have been approved by National Marine Fisheries Service for immediate release back into the ocean. The dolphins will be tagged with id tags and released near the original stranding site. The release is scheduled for this evening, August 6, 2008 at 6:30 pm.

August 5, 2008

Hi Everyone, Well, Tropical Storm Edouard brought us not one stranded dolphin but TWO!


At 3pm August 5, 2008, the TMMSN received a report of a live stranded dolphin on Bolivar Peninsula at Crystal Beach. Upon arrival to the beach we learned that there were two adult Bottlenose dolphins stranded on the beach within 50 yards of each other. The TMMSN team worked quickly to make sure that both dolphins were comfortable and then loaded them in the TMMSN truck for transport. The dolphins were transported back by the ferry to the NOAA property in Galveston, where they were placed in the TMMSN rehabilitation tank about 5pm this evening. One of the dolphins began swimming on its own immediately while the other is able to support himself with minimal assistance from volunteers. Critical Care Team members are now working around the clock with these animals and we will keep you updated on their progress.

There was also a third stranded dolphin reported in High Island this evening, but unfortunately the beachgoer had already pushed the animal back out to sea when we got the call. Critical Care Team members and the Galveston County Sheriff’s office searched the beach to see if it might have stranded again but we had no luck finding it.