This Father’s Day morning, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team was called by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to receive and care for a rough-toothed dolphin who was found beached on the shoreline of Clearwater Beach. Rough-toothed dolphins are found in warm climates and in deep waters. They are known to live near Hawaii and the Northern Gulf of Mexico.
The 200 pound, 7 foot sub adult male rough-toothed dolphin was retrieved by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium this morning and transported to SeaWorld Orlando.
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.
Due to the dolphin being severely weak, the animal care team is constantly monitoring the dolphin’s respiration and four animal care experts are walking beside the dolphin 24/7 to help it gain strength.
The dolphin will continue to receive round-the-clock care from the animal care team and more treatment will be administered if needed once results come back from blood work.
SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the ocean. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 26,000 animals in need – ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned – for more than five decades.
If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.