Dolphin rescue stories will be on the air!

For centuries, humans have been fascinated with dolphins - not only for their beauty and spirit, but for their unique intelligence. "Dolphin Rescue," debuting on WEDU-Channel 3 at 8 p.m. Sept. 12 follows the rescue of Atlantic bottlenose "Val" mired in Old Tampa Bay's mud flats, and the rehabilitation of a deep-water Risso's, rarely seen by human eyes. Meet some special animal lovers who have committed their lives to understanding and preserving dolphins.

Research and rehabilitation facilities such as Sarasota's Mote Marine Laboratory often nurture sick or injured bottlenose dolphins back to health, and many times assist in their release into their natural habitat. Last summer, after a stranding of five Risso's dolphins near Marco Island, Mote embraced the task of nursing the two survivors back to health.

Follow Mote's dedicated team and its several-month relationship with Risso's dolphins "Bonnie" and "Clyde." The journey ends on WEDU Board Member Cathy Unruh and husband Tom Sansone's boat, eighty miles offshore, in an unprecedented effort to return one of these special marine mammals to its deep-water home.

"Stories such as Dolphin Rescue are the future of public television stations. WEDU is proud to be producing more and more local programming," said Richard Lobo, president and CEO of WEDU.
The 30-minute local documentary has several encore airings: 2 p.m. Sept. 15, 8 p.m. Sept. 17 and 2 p.m. Sept. 18.

WEDU is West Central Florida's primary PBS station, serving Tampa, St. Petersburg and Manatee/Sarasota.