4 min read Dolphin Says Goodbye To The People Who Saved His Life

<p><em>Audubon Nature Institute</em><span></span></p>

It's been a long road for Octavius, but now he's finally home. Six months after being found stranded and on the verge of death along the coast of Louisiana, the young dolphin is once again swimming free back in the wild where he belongs - a remarkable testament to his determination to survive, and to the dedication of all those who helped him along the way.

Audubon Nature Institute

Octavius's story began last October, when he was discovered by Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) after having washed up onto the shore. Initially, rescuers carried him back into the surf, but he was too exhausted to swim away. Rather than giving up on him, the rescuers redoubled their efforts.

Audubon Nature Institute

The dolphin was transported from the beach to a rehabilitation center run by the Audubon Nature Institute where, over the months, he underwent treatment to regain his health. Still, it wasn't clear at first if he would ever be able to lead a normal life in the wild again. Fortunately though, Octavius ultimately passed evaluations determining he could indeed be released. This week, that day finally came.

Audubon Nature Institute

On Thursday, staff from the Audubon Nature Institute, LDWF, NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service and the Chicago Zoological Society's Sarasota Dolphin Research Program returned Octavius to the Louisiana coast - then they set him free. He's the first dolphin to be rescued, rehabilitated and released back into the wild in the state's history. Watch footage of Octavius successfully being released.