Wayward dolphin makes splash in polluted NYC canal
By Associated Press
Jan 25, 2013 3:29 PM CST
A dolphin surfaces in the Gowanus Canal in the Brooklyn borough of New York, Friday, Jan. 25, 2013. The New York City Police Dept. said animal experts were waiting to see if the dolphin would leave on its own during the evening's high tide. If not, they plan to lend a hand on Saturday morning. According...   (Associated Press)

A wayward dolphin has been making a splash in a polluted New York City canal.

Friday's deep-freeze weather didn't seem to faze the dolphin as it swam around in the Gowanus (guh-WAH'-nuhs) Canal, which runs 1.5 miles through a narrow industrial zone near some of Brooklyn's wealthiest neighborhoods.

Bundled-up onlookers took cellphone photos. A news helicopter hovered overhead.

The dolphin appears to be about 7 feet long. It has surfaced periodically and shaken black gunk from its snout in the polluted water.

The New York Police Department says animal experts are waiting to see if the dolphin leaves the canal on its own during the evening's high tide. If not, they plan to lend a hand Saturday.

The filthy canal was named a Superfund site in 2010, meaning the government can force polluters to pay for its restoration.

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