A rough-toothed dolphin which was beached in Clearwater, Florida, this weekend is being cared for by veterinarians at SeaWorld Orlando.
Rough-toothed dolphins are usually found in warm climates and deep waters near Hawaii and the Northern Gulf of Mexico and rarely comes into contact with humans. It is not yet known why the dolphin became stranded but the animal rescue team is currently carrying out tests on the animal as it is being rehabilitated, with the goal of returning it to its natural habitat once is has made a full recovery.
The seven foot long rough-toothed dolphin is severely weak and has been given immediate treatment including, fluids and antibiotics. The animal care team is also constantly monitoring the dolphin's respiration around the clock and encouraging the animal to swim 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 tests.
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.
The rescue was carried out by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and SeaWorld Orland was called on by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to receive and care for the animal.
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