Oscar Away!

This recuperated harbor porpoise is wasting no time. He was released yesterday morning and he's already traveled more than 20 miles. Oscar is one of the many injured or stranded animals cared for and released by the NEAQ Marine Animal Rescue Program.

Oscar showed up on Skaket beach in Orleans, Mass. on February 17th. He was rescued by the Cape Cod Stranding Network and taken to the Aquarium for medical treatment. He spent 3 months recovering from a nasty gash in the side, a cough, some lesions and an infection.

Now he's free! Look at him, like a living torpedo eager for launch!


And here's where he's been so far:


He was released near Stellwagen Bank Marine Sanctuary at a time when harbor porpoises are expected to be in the area. Here's hoping he hooks up with his crew and lives a long healthy (reproductive) life.

Update: That was Oscar days after his release. Check out how far he went in a week!

215 miles! And he's diving normally!