Risso's dolphin 'rescued' from Benidorm and transferred to Valencia marine park

The Risso's dolphin was rescued on 18th April 2006 from waters off Cala de Finestrat, taken to Terra Natura wildlife park and transferred to Parque Oceanográfico marine park in Valencia.

There had been some confusion over exactly what type of marine mammal was rescued with conflicting reports of a dolphin or pilot whale being rescued. However, the Marine Connection have contacted Parque Oceanográfico who confirmed that it was in fact a Risso's dolphin. We have requested further information and will update the site in due course.

The dolphin, which reportedly weighs approximately 100 kilos and is 1.7 metres long was weak, and very disorientated. It was cared for in the Terra Natura nature park in Benidorm since then, until experts decided it was strong enough to withstand the journey to Valencia.

The Marine Connection has some concern over a 'rescue' such as this. There have been several cases where these vulnerable animals have been taken from the water and never returned once rehabilitated. We are trying to contact the Parque Oceanográfico in order to understand their next step and procedures to ensure the animal is given every chance to be returned to the wild.