SeeCalifornia.com

Photo: Bolsa Chica wetlands is an inlet to the Pacific Ocean in Huntington Beach, Calif., where a dolphin has made headlines for several days. The inquisitive dolphin ventured from his pod into the wetlands and is precariously stuck there for some unknown reason.

The traffic on Pacific Coast Highway in a commuter section of the Southern California coast was backed up for two miles last Friday– never a good sign. It  usually means there’s a wreck. But the commotion wasn’t over any human accident or tragedy. There was a wayward dolphin a woman spotted on April 27, 2012–lifeguards, ocean experts and animal rescuers were called in by noon to try to coax a dolphin out of shallower waters and back into the ocean. The dolphin began to nervously swim in circles as helicopters and on-ground news crews took over the area to provide on-the-minute coverage of this breaking news event.

After a day of efforts, the “experts” decided to back off and see if the dolphin would leave on his own. He actually did find his way back to the ocean but was spooked by several dolphins outside the channel. They weren’t his pod apparently, and he zipped right back into the wetlands once again. For four days the marine mammal experts have tried to coax this dolphin back into the ocean at high tide with no luck. Today  (Monday) they are considering a new plan requiring more invasive techniques employing a net to snag the dolphin and transport it back to sea.

Meanwhile, the wetlands have been packed with curious people wanting to get a peak at the creature.  I actually saw a man & woman wearing t-shirts that said “Free Willy”, which is the name of a 1993 movie about a boy who releases an orca whale back into the ocean.

This event is right up there with the giant rock that passed through Southern California recently, creating a rage. One lifeguard I asked about the situation said, “They’re spending more time rescuing this dolphin than they do on people!” Here’s wishing “Willie” a happy return.

UPDATE: MAY 7, 2012 — Willie seems to have returned to the ocean. He has not been seen for several days.