At once 27 grinds - dolphins the size of small whales - were thrown into shallow waters in the state of Baja California. The rapid ebb did not allow sailors and animal protection specialists to rescue them. Only two adults and one calf were evacuated.
The rescue operation was led by the country's federal environmental attorney and representatives of the country's navy, according to Excelsior. The Grinds washed ashore on the coast of the Gulf of California, south of San Felipe. The rescue operation, with the participation of local fishermen, representatives of the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Committee and other specialists, took place from Saturday afternoon, May 14, until early Sunday morning, May 15.
All efforts were almost useless. Due to the low tide at dawn, the bay, where the grinds were located, became shallow to such an extent that it was impossible to return the animals to deep water. Only two adults and one cub were saved. As the newspaper notes, the grinds, which were moved to deep water, stubbornly returned to the shore.
It is speculated that the grinds were disoriented because none of the animals had any physical injuries. Also, no nets, fishing gear or any other signs of anthropogenic impact were found that would cause the animals to be washed ashore.
Experts note that grinds are known for strong social cohesion and tend to refuse to leave other grinds that are in danger, even if it threatens death.
Rinds are protected in the United States under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and have a special protected status in Mexico, The Daily Mail notes. These animals reach a length of eight meters. Grindas prefer the open sea and are rarely seen off the coast. During the day they sleep, and at night they get food. They are capable of descending more than 600 meters. As a rule, grinds live in groups of several dozen individuals and follow the leader. They are capable of reaching the age of 60.
Recall that on Sakhalin at the end of April, the operation to rescue four killer whales from ice captivity was safely completed. Three animals were brought to open water in eight hours. During the ensuing overnight stay, Emergencies Ministry officials and volunteers warmed the killer whale, named Willie, pushed ice floes away from it and treated wounds. The next morning, after an injection of adrenaline, Willie was able to lead through the ice field to open water.
