This is the story of Cupid the dolphin.
On Valentines day, February 14, 2003 he was discovered on the Quintana Beach in Brazoria County, Texas by Christopher Cruse. Upon the discovery of this stranded and seemingly unconscious 18-month-old bottlenose dolphin, Cruse promptly called Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network to come and rescue the poor calf.
While waiting for rescuers, Cruse tried to keep Cupid comfortable by pouring water over him.
Once the team arrived, they did a quick assessment and realized that Cupid’s condition was dire. The team quickly transported him to their rescue and rehabilitation facility in Galveston, Texas.
Upon arrival in Galveston, Cupid was placed in a small pool where rescuers had to support him in the water. Day and night volunteers supported him and kept him afloat until he could swim on his own.
During this time, the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s veterinarians were busy examining Cupid, performing X-Rays, ultrasounds and drawing blood to diagnose what initially caused the stranding and any lasting health effects he might suffer as a result.
While Cupid was in rehab at the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network’s Galveston facility, he began to recover, getting stronger and more playful as the months flew by.
After one year and a successful rehabilitation, the National Marine Fisheries (NMFS) made the call that Cupid was not a candidate for release but would be given a new home.
The NMFS evaluated future homes for Cupid and on February 16, 2004, a year and two days after Cupid’s rescue, he was flown to his new home at Six Flag’s Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, an accredited ZAA facility and AMMPA member.
At Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Cupid was introduced to a pod of dolphins (that he quickly became friends with) and a team of loving and caring animal professionals who would continue to help him learn and grow.
Now when you look at Cupid, you don’t see a sad dolphin stranded on the beach, you see a healthy thriving dolphin that is alive and well thanks to organizations like the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network, the NMFS and the ZAA accredited Six Flags Discovery Kingdom.
It is when people, organizations and facilities work together that animals are saved and given a second chance at life!
So the next time you are at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, California, stop by and tip your hat to Cupid, the dolphin from Texas who was given a second chance.
Photos and video courtesy of: The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network and Six Flags Discovery Kingdom