Stranded baby dolphin found by beachgoers rescued from Florida beach

Stranded baby dolphin found by beachgoers rescued from Florida beach

Ashley Ferrer, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida

Thu, January 8, 2026 at 6:20 PM UTC

2 min read

A baby dolphin, estimated to be 2 months old, was found stranded Wednesday morning, Jan. 7, just south of the New Smyrna Jetty, according to Volusia County Beach Safety.

News of the beached dolphin was brought to the attention of wildlife photographer and mental health counselor Shelley Lynch, who called the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute for help. The institute talked her through pulling the calf out of the water, Lynch recalled in a Jan. 7 Facebook post.

Ocean Rescue lifeguards and beachgoers worked together to care for the dolphin until the team from SeaWorld Hubbs arrived to transport it for rehabilitation.

"The really wonderful part of the story was the love and teamwork by all," Lynch wrote.

Who spotted the baby dolphin stranded on Florida beach?

"A sunrise runner let me know there was a beached dolphin down the beach," Shelley Lynch, wildlife photographer and mental health counselor, wrote in a Jan. 7 Facebook post.

Lynch called the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, according to her post, who talked her through pulling the dolphin out of the water before more help arrived.

A dolphin calf, estimated to be around two months old, was found stranded Wednesday, Jan. 7, just south of the New Smyrna Jetty.

How old was the stranded baby dolphin?

The male dolphin calf is believed to be around two months old, Lynch wrote in her Facebook post.

She acknowledged that many commenters might be thinking about the mother dolphin and stated that those on the scene were thinking the same.

"We kept an eye out for her, but no sightings," Lynch wrote.

Who responded to the stranded baby dolphin in Florida?

Volusia County Beaches lifeguards were first on scene, according to what Lynch shared on social media.

According to Lynch, a Volusia County Environmental Management employee named Chad came next, checking respirations and examining the dolphin.

The Hubbs-SeaWorld team measured the calf and took vitals upon arrival.

Where is the stranded Florida baby dolphin now?

The dolphin calf was taken to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation, according to Volusia County Beaches.

SeaWorld says the baby dolphin is receiving round-the-clock care, but is currently in critical condition, FOX 35 reported.

What is Hubbs SeaWorld?

Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute (HSWRI) is a non-profit scientific research organization dedicated to conserving and renewing marine life to ensure a healthier planet.

Headquartered at Perez Cove on Mission Bay in San Diego, California, Hubbs-SeaWorld has additional facilities in Carlsbad, California and Melbourne Beach, Florida.

Get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday by signing up for the free Florida TODAY newsletter at profile.news-journalonline.com/newsletters.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: New Smyrna Beach baby dolphin rescue was team effort. How it happened

About Our Ads

Source