Quick thinking police came to the rescue of a dolphin stranded in Port
Phillip Bay.
Water police were called just after 4pm on Monday last week (Feb. 7) to assist the animal, which had beached itself in shallow water.
Marine animal experts from Melbourne Zoo’s Marine Response Unit had requested police assistance, with two inflatable rescue boats carrying four officers deployed.
A sling was made to tow the marooned mammal into deeper water, a fifth police member stationed on shore to watch over the rescue effort.
Animal experts assessed the dolphin before it was successfully released, police saying for once this was one slippery customer they were pleased to see get away.
Leading Senior Constable Tony Christensen said: “It was a privilege to be involved in the rescue of such an amazing creature.
“Our members often see dolphins in the bay during patrols and it’s great to see this one back where it belongs.
“We hope to cross paths again – but this time well away from shore.”