Featured Image Credit: Gulf World Marine Institute
By Sarah Sharkey
Samira is a young bottlenose dolphin that is enjoying her new home at Gulf World, in Panama City Beach, Florida.
She was rescued in October of 2017 after Hurricane Nate stranded her. Two beachgoers found her washed up on Okaloosa Island and reported it to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC).
Although the exact reasons why she stranded will forever remain a mystery, it is likely that the powerful storm just separated her from her mother. Without her mom to guide her, she was probably just taken to the shore by the strong waves of the hurricane.
FWC officials found her and transported her to Gulf World for recovery. After 10 weeks of care, it became apparent that Samira would likely never return to the ocean. The National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA) deemed her to be non-releasable due to her young age and mother dependency.
NOAA allowed Gulf World to become her permeant home. She has an attentive staff to look after her and make she that she gets all of the nutrition she needs. There are a few older dolphins, Indie and Capri, who have decided to take care of the young dolphin. Plus, there are two dolphins, Soleil and Angel, that are young enough for Samira to play around with.
Overall, she seems to be enjoying her new home and family.
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