Inspector Sean Rutene said a four-year-old girl threw her favourite toy out the car window and on to the motorway and, after a futile day of searching for a replacement, her desperate family contacted police.
"As a last resort, the distressed mother contacted police to help save the dolphin and her sanity when the child was inconsolable following the mishap," Mr Rutene said.
A motorways support officer was happy to oblige and managed to scoop up the dolphin from against a median barrier.
"Police have been informed that four-year-old and dolphin are happily sleeping, following an eventful adventure."
