A WOMAN from Malvern played a key part in the first- ever successful rescue and rehabilitation of a dolphin in Peru.

Rebecca Somerville’s month-long internship with ORCA (Organization for Research and Conservation of Aquatic Animals) got off to a dramatic start as she was called to the bottle-nosed dolphin’s aid after it was discovered at Mamacona Beach, about 25 miles south of Lima.

“She was found on the beach, being dragged by fishermen, but was rescued,” said Miss Somerville. “She was then kept at the ORCA centre in basic conditions - as they are low on money and resources - for 10 days, being monitored 24-hours-a-day by staff and volunteers and given medical treatment for gastritis and muscle cramps she got while she was thrown about by waves when stranded.”

Miss Somerville, who studied animal behaviour at Sheffield University, was joined on the internship by her friend Georgina Roberts, a biology graduate.

“When we arrived we were given roles straight away, keeping her pool clean and monitoring her behaviour. The second night there we took it in turns to write down her behaviour and count her breathing rate every few minutes.

“On the third day, when she was released, Georgie’s role was to keep her wet and I counted her breathing rate every two minutes from the whole time she was taken out of the pool, placed on the truck to the harbour and finally released into the sea.”

The successful operation made international headlines and Miss Somerville said rescuing the dolphin - named Arwen - was a big achievement for ORCA.

“This was the first time ever in Peru a dolphin has been rescued, rehabilitated and released to the wild. Over the last 10 years ORCA has found more than 100 dead dolphins stranded on Peru beaches, more than 90 per cent killed by human interactions, mostly by fishermen who hunt them illegally,” she said. “It was very exciting, we were thrown straight into it and it was great experience. It was very tiring as we had to monitor her constantly for a whole night, and then amazing to see her swim off into the sea.”

To find out more or support ORCA visit www.orca.org.pe or search for ORCA peru on Facebook.