1 of 2 | Animal rescuers on the island of Guernsey said a porpoise found repeatedly swimming toward the shore has been successfully returned to the sea. Photo courtesy of GSPCA
March 17 (UPI) — Animal rescuers on the island of Guernsey said a porpoise found repeatedly swimming toward the shore has been successfully returned to the sea.
The GSPCA said in a news release that Geoff George, the organization’s head of marine mammals, headed out to the Vale Castle area on Sunday on a report of a porpoise that was “repeatedly swimming towards the shore and appearing extremely weak.”
George repeatedly attempted to lead the porpoise back out to open water, but the animal kept turning around and heading back toward shore.
A veterinarian from The Vetcare Center was summoned for assistance, and the rescue team moved the porpoise to one of the island’s bathing pools so it could be treated and monitored overnight.
“It was a difficult situation, and sadly the porpoise was in a very compromised state when we first arrived. We did everything we could to stabilize it, refloat it and give it the best possible chance with veterinary support,” George said. “Moving it to the bathing pool allowed us to monitor it safely through the night.”
The porpoise appeared to have regained some strength on Monday, and rescuers were able to return it to the sea, where it was last seen swimming away from shore.
“While the team are hopeful, there remains a possibility that the porpoise may attempt to re‑strand,” the GSPCA said. “If anyone sees a porpoise or any marine mammal in difficulty, or if this individual rebeaches, please contact the GSPCA immediately.”