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Wayward dolphin stuck in Bolsa Chica wetlands

The common dolphin that wandered into the Bolsa Chica preserve in Huntington Beach sprays a plume of water Monday. Rescue crews decided to allow the dolphin to return to the open ocean at its own pace. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

Susan Mahmood watches from her bicycle as the wayward dolphin surfaces at the Bolsa Chica preserve. “This is absolutely unique,” she said. “I could stay here for an eternity and watch this.” (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A couple watches the wayward dolphin swim in the shallow water of Bolsa Chica preserve. (Don Bartletti / Los Angeles Times)

A lifeguard floats next to a wayward dolphin in the Bolsa Chica wetlands in Huntington Beach. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

The marine mammal attracts a crowd at the Bolsa Chica wetlands. (Robert Lachman / Los Angeles Times)

Biologists, lifeguards and officials with the state Fish and Game Department try to figure out how to best help a wayward dolphin in the Bolsa Chica wetlands. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)

Crowds gather on the shoreline to watch a wayward dolphin in the Bolsa Chica wetlands. (Mark Boster / Los Angeles Times)