Pygmy killer whales are a rare sight in coastal areas. The relatively reclusive animals live in deep water far away from land. So when one was discovered washed up on a beach in Florida earlier this week, officials at NOAA knew the animal was in extreme danger.
They called in the experts.
They called in SeaWorld.
The animal arrived at SeaWorld Orlando’s rescue facility at approximately 4:00 p.m. Tuesday afternoon and has been in round-the-clock intensive care since then.
Officials believe the injured animal swam through a jagged oyster bed and became beached at about mid-day, causing it to be experience extreme heat and dehydration for several hours.
Pygmy killer whales are actually a rare species of dolphin. The name “pygmy killer whale” is derived from their physical similarities to orcas. They typically live in deep water far from the coast, so a beaching such as this almost never happens.
In a Tuesday press release, SeaWorld described the dolphin’s condition and outlook:
Upon arrival, the dolphin was placed in a quarantine area where the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team and veterinarians provided immediate treatment and care including, fluids and antibiotics. The dolphin came to SeaWorld with a zinc oxide coating on her skin to help protect it from the sun exposure she endured.
“The animal is in guarded condition at this time,” says Jon Peterson Assistant Curator of Animal Care for SeaWorld Orlando. “When an animal comes into our care this critical, the first 48 hours are crucial and we take every measure to stabilize the animal. We remain cautiously optimistic at this time for improvement.”
Considering the condition the animal was in upon arrival, “cautiously optimistic” is great news! The dolphin is currently being housed in a tank at the rescue facility and is monitored 24/7.
If you want to keep up with the dolphin’s recovery, you can follow SeaWorld on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook. We certainly look forward to hearing more about the efforts of SeaWorld’s heroic rescue effort!
This pygmy killer whale is just the latest of the over 28,000 animals SeaWorld has rescued in its existence. If we truly love animals, than supporting SeaWorld and other accredited institutions is a must. By rescuing hurting animals, developing top notch veterinary and research practices with captive dolphins and educating the public about conservation and care, SeaWorld is making a difference in the lives of both humans and animals.
Way to go SeaWorld! We know that poor dolphin is in good hands.
Featured Image Credit: SeaWorld