SeaWorld Orlando rescues newborn dolphin
Rescued near New Smyrna, Florida, this baby dolphin is only 5 days old, but doing well in the arms of SeaWorld Supervisor of Animal Care, Pedro Ramos-Navarrate. Photo courtesy of SeaWorld.
He’s a whole 35 pounds and at an estimated 5 days old, he’s grabbing headlines and attention. The newborn dolphin male was found stranded in shallow waters under a mangrove in Volusia County, Florida. SeaWorld’s professional staff of trained rescue experts were called to handle the rescue.
Based on his size, the upright stature of his dorsal fin and that the umbilical cord was still attached, they put his age at the whopping 5 days, so a baby he is indeed.
It is believed that the baby was likely separated from his mother before stranding. Dolphin calves typically nurse for 12 to 18 months, so the staff at SeaWorld has taken over mommie-duties in an effort to save him. Preliminary tests show no major health issues and they are now tube-feeding him every two hours.
This successful rescue was a collaborative effort with Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute and Sea World then making the rescue. This was following the authorization by NOAA Fisheries Service.
With years and many rescues under their belt, SeaWorld was in a perfect position to help save this precious life.
No word on where he’ll go once he’s deemed “ok,” but SeaWorld is sure to give him the best care as he recovers and grows.
