Matlacha, United States - December 10, 2024 Two dolphins trapped for weeks in a shallow mangrove lagoon were dramatically rescued on December 10 after an intense multi-agency effort through thick mud and treacherous waterways. Spotted late Monday night, the dolphins were stranded in a 2-to-3-foot deep lagoon near Matlacha, with trails to open water nearly impassable. Experts believe the dolphins may have been stuck since mid-November’s high tide or even October’s Hurricane Milton. Responding Tuesday morning, the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Marine Unit and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) navigated through the mangrove maze but faced insurmountable challenges. By Wednesday, reinforcements arrived from MOTE Marine, Brookfield Zoo Chicago-Sarasota, the Dolphin Research Program, and Clearwater Aquarium. Deputies and biologists worked together to trap and lift the two 9-foot dolphins onto floating mats, pulling them through over 300 yards of thick mud and shallow waters. The dolphins were then towed by boat into deeper waters in Matlacha Pass, evaluated, fitted with satellite tags, and successfully released. The coordinated effort highlights an extraordinary rescue operation at the intersection of human determination and marine conservation.