Featured Image Credit: Andrew O’Connor/Twitter
Update as of October 24, 2017:
The baby dolphin is currently under 24-hour care at Gulf World Marine Institute. Her initial blood results were within normal ranges and her blood tests are continuing to improve. She is also beginning to finally eat on her own.
The baby’s first test results for morbilli virus came back negative. Morbilli virus is a deadly virus that can be fatal to dolphins by causing disease in the respiratory and nervous systems. Since this disease has an incubation period, she will be retested again in three weeks.
Gulf World Marine Institue decided to name the baby female dolphin Samira, which means she who is of pleasant company. GWMI will continue to keep the public updated on Samira’s progress.
Original story posted on October 10, 2017:
A baby female dolphin that washed ashore in Florida got lucky when two beachgoers spotted her in distress. Gulf World Marine Institute along with Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge helped rescue the dolphin that was found on Okaloosa Island and reported to Florida Fish and Wildlife.
But how did this dolphin get stranded on the beach?
Experts are unsure. Typically, dolphins are very ill when they end up stranded. However, the young dolphin could have been separated from her mother.
The dolphin was taken to GWMI (Gulf World Marine Institute) where she will be rehabilitated to be able to be released back to her natural habitat. The institute serves as a long-term marine mammal rehabilitation facility. They play a large role in rescuing marine animals throughout Florida. They’re partner Gulf World Marine Park, have been helping stranded animals since 1970 and are considered one of the best rehabilitation facilities.
Good news, though! She is swimming on her own and being watched 24 hours a day. According to a press release, “the dolphin’s initial blood results are within normal ranges. While the animal was stranded on the beach waves were crashing over its blowhole so we are monitoring for the possible development of aspiration pneumonia. The dolphin is still swimming on its own. Additional tests have been sent off and results are pending. The animal is still under 24-hour care.”
It is very important to contact authorities if you see a stranded animal on the beach. They are typically sick and need to be taken care of immediately.