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Pygmy Killer Whale Dies At Sarasota Marine Hospital

News Channel 8 file photo by JIM FARQUHAR

A pygmy whale is moved from Mote Marine Laboratory to an MRI facility for diagnostic tests in June. One of the two whales being treated at Mote died Wednesday.

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TBO.com

Published: September 4, 2008

A pygmy killer whale undergoing rehabilitation at a Sarasota dolphin and whale hospital has died.

Since arriving June 16 at the hospital, Dallas the whale was being treated for several health issues, including digestive problems and pneumonia.

The whale died 9 p.m. Wednesday, and a necropsy was conducted today to determine the cause of death, according to Mote Marine Laboratory.

Preliminary results indicate Dallas likely died from toxic pneumonia.

"It's important to note that wild animals can mask illnesses well, a skill necessary for survival in the wild," the laboratory said today in a media release.

Just before dying, Dallas was exhibiting typical behaviors including feeding, swimming and socializing with another animal, according to the laboratory.

In June, Dallas and another whale, Pete, were found stranded in south Florida and were taken to the hospital. Pete is still alive, and doctors say they are optimistic about that whale's condition.

"By taking today's findings into consideration, the animal care team strives to prevent similar issues with Pete," the release states. "As with all animals undergoing treatment at Mote's Rehabilitation Hospitals, the ultimate goal is to release Pete back into the wild."

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