The TMMSN rescues and administers critical care for a Spinner dolphin and Bottlenose dolphin neonate
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| The above Bottlenose dolphin neonate was found struggling to breathe near a tanker in the Corpus Christi, TX region. Notice the fetal fold lines on the body. | TMMSN CC volunteer Drew Scerbo and Lea Walker were able to safely rescue this neonate but the animal died immediately. Necropsy results forthcoming. |
| Photo Credit for neonate: Drew Scerbo |
April 17, 2010 - Corpus Christi, TX: Saturday the CC regional TMMSN team responded to a live stranded Spinner Dolphin (Stenella longirostris).
PA886 was unable to support itself in the water and
required 24/7 support from two volunteers in the water at all times, along with support staff on deck. Blood was drawn and fluids were
administered. The triage area the CC regional team is currently
working out of was only available for a couple of days due to
previously scheduled remodeling work so arrangements were made for the Galveston TMMSN team to assist in transporting the animal
to the Galveston rehabilitation pool.
While the Galveston team was enroute the following morning (April 18) the Spinner dolphin began to show signs of internal bleeding due to a
possible intestinal disorder or other unidentified problem.
At approximately 5 pm on April 18, the dolphin suddenly died while volunteers were walking the animal around the pool. The cause of death is
currently unknown and necropsy results will be posted as soon as they are available.
While the TMMSN has performed many successful rehabilitations, much of our time is spent on very sick animals that often succumb to the
illness or conditions that stranded them on the beach. TMMSN
volunteers have shown outstanding ability to go above and beyond and always put the animal first and give the very best care we can for each
and every animal.
We want to take this opportunity to thank each and every volunteer
for the effort they make to assist with the TMMSN mission. We also want to remind the public and our loyal supporters that a considerable
amount of resources are expended during rescue, rehabilitation and necropsy operations and we continue to need your support and donations. The work performed
by the TMMSN is beneficial to wildlife, coastal community residents and contributes to the scientific body of knowledge of cetaceans worldwide.