Dolphin Spotted In East River Off FDR Drive And East 96th Street
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A dolphin has been spotted in the East River off the FDR Drive and East 96th Street in Manhattan.
The dolphin appeared to be swimming in circles between Manhattan and Queens, WCBS 880's Alex Silverman reported. It could be seen bobbing up to the surface every 20-30 seconds.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation said they have tentatively identified the species as a bottlenose dolphin.
Dolphin Spotted In East River Off FDR Drive And East 96th Street
A NYPD harbor unit boat had responded to the scene and attempted to guide the dolphin out, but has since left the scene, Silverman reported.
The dolphin is quick and active, Silverman reported.
Passersby lined the promenade at 96th Street to catch a glimpse of the dolphin.
Dolphin Spotted In East River Off FDR Drive And East 96th Street
"I was on my way to work and I heard it on the news and I was like, 'This is incredible,'" Barbara Gordon told 1010 WINS' Al Jones.
Conservationists are keeping a close eye on the wayward dolphin and are hoping that it heads back to open water, Jones reported.
In January, a dolphin died after becoming stranded in the Gowanus Canal. A necropsy determined the animal was male, middle-aged and sickly.
