returning to the water

Most rescue work from IFAW’s expert marine rescue team takes place in the Cape Cod area of North America. In early 2023, however, members of the team travelled all the way to Bahrain for a rescue mission.

Three endangered Indian Ocean humpback dolphins—named Jojo, Jory and Danny—were illegally captured in 2021 by fishers and sold to a tourist resort featuring performing dolphin shows. Despite being minutes away from their natural habitat, they were confined to a pool contaminated with rusty leaks from a poorly maintained ceiling and forced to perform daily for public entertainment.

Thankfully, conscientious members of the public (including locals and tourists) spoke up, reporting their concerns to the authorities, which led to an investigation. Public prosecutors in Bahrain proved that the dolphins had been illegally captured and should be returned to their natural habitat and the fishers were convicted of illegal poaching.

The Bahraini Supreme Council for Environment (SCE) reached out to IFAW directly to support the rescue and release of the dolphins. Our team planned for months, working with partner Tails Veterinary Center in Bahrain to conduct the necessary tests and, alongside the Coast Guard, to identify release sites.

Before their release, Jojo, Jory and Danny were outfitted with temporary satellite tags and given full health assessments. Afterword they were safely transported back to the sea.