The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) is asking for the public’s help in protecting a rare wild bottlenose dolphin living in Charleston-area waters without its tail flukes, an injury considered extraordinarily uncommon for a free-swimming dolphin to survive long term in the wild. LMMN first became aware of the dolphin in March 2025 after receiving reports of an animal with a severe and unusual injury. Since then, the organization has continued monitoring the dolphin, documenting its remarkable survival and adaptation despite the loss of the powerful tail structure dolphins rely on to swim, hunt, and navigate. The dolphin, that LMMN named “Koa,” meaning “Little Warrior” in Hawaiian, has recently been observed in increasingly busy recreational waterways as boating activity ramps up heading into the summer season. “In the wild, a dolphin’s tail is essentially its engine,” said Lauren Rust, Executive Director of LMMN. “To witness an animal not only surviving, but continuing to navigate and forage with such a significant disability is incredibly rare and speaks to the remarkable resilience and adaptability of these animals.” According to LMMN, only six other similar cases involving wild dolphins have been documented worldwide. While Koa’s story is inspiring, LMMN emphasizes that the dolphin may also be especially vulnerable to additional stressors, including vessel traffic, pursuit, and disturbance in crowded waterways. Because Koa must work significantly harder to move through the water, unnecessary interactions with boats or people can force the dolphin to expend valuable energy needed for survival. As public interest in Koa grows, LMMN is also asking members of the media and the community to help reinforce responsible wildlife viewing practices and avoid encouraging close interaction or location-sharing that could place the animal at greater risk. LMMN is asking all boaters, paddlers, and waterfront visitors to: • Give the dolphin plenty of space • Never feed, touch, pursue, or attempt to swim with the animal • Avoid cutting across the dolphin’s path of travel • Slow down and remain alert near wildlife • Report sightings of Koa or concerning behavior to the Marine Mammal Stranding Response Hotline: 800-922-5431 OR record in the link above Harassment of marine mammals is prohibited under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. “We understand why people would be fascinated by Koa,” said Rust. “This dolphin is an extraordinary example of resilience in the wild. But the best thing our community can do is admire that resilience from a respectful distance and help ensure this animal can continue living undisturbed in its natural habitat.” LMMN will continue monitoring Koa and sharing educational updates with the public.