Rescuers battle to save wounded dolphin stranded in river

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Rescuers battle to save wounded dolphin stranded in river


By Daily Mail Reporter
Last updated at 3:54 PM on 23rd June 2008

Conservationists were battling to save a wounded dolphin spotted swimming through Glasgow today.

Concern is growing for the 10ft-long Risso's dolphin in the River Clyde after rescuers failed to usher it back out to sea.

The creature, which is usually found in the deep waters of the Atlantic, is in a poor condition with a gash above its eye.

Fears: The wounded dolphin swimming in the River Clyde today

Volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue tried to save it by encouraging it to return to sea last night.

But it appeared back in the centre of Glasgow again today, with a reported sighting near the city's Clyde Arc bridge, known locally as the 'squinty' bridge.

Vets were meeting today to assess the dolphin's condition.

Wounded: It is in a poor condition with a gash above the eye

Nick Duthie of the BDMLR told BBC Radio Scotland: 'Certainly, it's in a pretty compromised body state at the moment.

'It's very thin and it does have a number of cuts and grazes on it so we are quite concerned for its health.'

According to the BDMLR, Risso's dolphins are usually a deep water species and it is very rare for one to be seen in shallow water.

Rescue: Conservationists trying to lead the creature back out to sea

The organisation asked that no one approach the animal, which was first spotted on Saturday, or try to swim with it.

Experts fear it may have become disorientated because of its injuries and are concerned that it has strayed so far inland.

Strathclyde Fire and Rescue said it had officers on the scene today.

Lost: Experts fear the dolphin may be disorientated because of its injuries

Rescuers battle to save wounded dolphin stranded in river | Mail Online