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Experts Recognize Dolphin Stranded On Siesta Key

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TBO.com

Published: December 16, 2008

A young dolphin stranded on Siesta Key this morning has been taken to the Mote Marine Laboratory for testing.

The 3 1/2-year-old female dolphin, known to scientists through the Sarasota Dolphin Research Program, appeared to be just below normal weight when she stranded on public beach access No. 8.

Veterinarians are taking blood and other samples to determine why the bottlenose dolphin stranded.

"One of our program's main objectives is to understand the factors that affect the survival of the members of the resident Sarasota Bay dolphin community," said Randall Wells, manager of the dolphin program. "We hope the tests [Mote] is doing will help shed light on why the dolphin ended up on the beach and help us return her quickly to the wild."

Mote researchers immediately recognized the female. She is the third generation of a family of dolphins living in Sarasota Bay tracked by Mote in partnership with the Chicago Zoological Society. The study of dolphins in Sarasota Bay dates back 39 years, making it the longest study of its kind.

"We've known it from the time it was born," says Randy Wells who oversees Mote's Dolphin Study. "It has a new sibling that was born this summer to its mother. Her mom is 13 years old, and her grandmother is 49 years old. In fact, the grandmother of this animal is one we've known since August of 1975."

According to Mote, if you encounter a stranded marine mammal:

•Do not push it back in the water.

•In Sarasota and Manatee counties, contact Mote Marine Laboratory's Stranding Investigations Program at (941) 988-0212. In Hillsborough and Pinellas counties, call the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission at 1-888-404-3922.

•Protect the animal from direct sunlight and keep skin moist with towels, making sure to keep the blowhole free of sand and debris.

•Keep pets away and avoid excessive noise or handling.

•Stay clear of the mouth and tail. Wild animals are strong.

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