
Cape Cod mass stranding of more than 140 dolphins confirmed to be largest in US history
CNN
The stranding of more than 140 dolphins off Cape Cod last month has been confirmed as the largest mass stranding of the mammals in United States history, animal rescuers say.
The stranding of more than 140 dolphins off Cape Cod last month has been confirmed as the largest mass stranding of the mammals in United States history, animal rescuers say. A final review of data and aerial imagery of the mass stranding event near Wellfleet, Massachusetts, believed to have begun June 28, revealed 146 dolphins were involved, the International Fund for Animal Welfare announced Thursday. Wellfleet is located on Cape Cod’s northeastern arm. The dolphins were found stranded in the shallow mud flats of Wellfleet in an area called the “Gut,” or Great Island at the Herring River. “We believe 102 survived the multi-day event, which is (about) a 70% survival rate,” according to Stacey Hedman, communications director for the global animal welfare and conservation non-profit, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases animals. Seven of the dolphins were euthanized and 37 died naturally, according to Hedman. The organization said last month the stranding of what was initially said to be around 125 Atlantic white-sided dolphins in the area could possibly be “the largest single mass stranding event” in the organization’s history, CNN previously reported.