Featured Image Credit: University Of Aberdeen
By Emily Persico
Just like humans, animals can burn under the intensity of the sun’s UV rays. While most hide beneath dark skin, fur, or scales, light-skinned whales and dolphins have nowhere to seek shelter but underwater. In the case of a stranding, a marine mammal has no refuge from the remorseless beating of the sun.
A bottlenose dolphin named Spirtle experienced this firsthand nearly one year ago, and she has the deeply horrific scars to prove it. After spending 24 hours stuck, she was found sunburned and in a nearly hopeless state by a couple lost at sea.
They quickly called animal rescuers, who refloated her but were doubtful of her survival. Her skin, while uninfected and resilient, had suffered immense damage during her day in the sun.
Now, nearly a year later, Spirtle is swimming happily through the seas. She is still being tracked by Scotland’s University of Aberdeen and the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme.
The two groups are hopeful for a full recovery that may eventually include a healthy calf of her own. Below, Spirtle is seen swimming with her sister’s calf, her scars a mark of all she has struggled through.
We are so very proud of your recovery, Spirtle, and we are always here cheering you on. Take all the time you need.