Personnel from the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies, NOAA, Navy Marine Mammal Program and U.S. Coast Guard onboard Coast Guard Cutter Cypress prepare to release two pygmy killer whales in the Gulf Coast, July 11, 2016. U.S. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Lexie Preston.
NEW ORLEANS – Crewmembers of the Coast Guard Cutter Cypress assisted the Institute for Marine Mamma Studies and National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration in releasing two Pygmy Killer Whales more than 60 miles off the coast of Gulfport, Mississippi, Monday.
The two male pygmy killer whales were found stranded in a mash near Waveland, Mississippi, by an angler Sept. 9, 2015. They were rescued and transported to IMSS for rehabilitation.
During rehabilitation, scientists learned about their health, behavior, and how to care for this species in the future.
“We are delighted to assist NOAA and IMMS in this release,” said Lt. j.g. Summer Dupler, CGC Cypress operations officer. “Assistance to wildlife in distress is part of the mission of the Coast Guard.”
