Successful Refloat of a Striped Dolphin in Ponta do Ouro, Maputo National Park

Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique – December 16, 2025

On December 16, 2025, at approximately 5:00 AM, the Dolphin Encountours Research Center (DERC) received a report of a live stranding of a striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) on the beach at Ponta do Ouro, within Maputo National Park.

Images provided by MNP.

Founder Angie Gullan was promptly notified and coordinated with park authorities and people on the scene who were advised to attempt a refloat due to the absence of local holding facilities. The dolphin exhibited several lacerations but responded positively to intervention efforts.

According to reports from dive concession operator Natalie Robinson, the animal was successfully refloated on the first attempt but subsequently re-stranded. Following a second refloat, the dolphin regained its orientation and swam away into deeper waters. Beach patrols from Maputo National Park remain on alert in case the dolphin reappears.

This incident marks the seventh recorded occurrence of a striped dolphin in Maputo National Park, with the first documented in September 2008. The striped dolphin is an offshore pelagic species, typically inhabiting waters beyond the continental shelf, making coastal strandings in this region uncommon.

Dolphin Encountours Research Center extends sincere gratitude to all individuals and organizations involved in the rapid response, which contributed to the dolphin's return to the ocean.