Mote Marine Lab has constructed a facility specifically for the rehabilitation and release of stranded marine mammals. It is one of only a few facilities in Florida involved with helping marine mammals return to the wild after being stranded. From time to time when there has been a stranding, Earthwatch (EW) volunteers have volunteered their leisure time to help the staff and local Sarasota volunteers who make up the Mote Marine Laboratory "stranding team". This is not something that is a part of the "Wild Dolphin Societies" project, and should not be anticipated by prospective volunteers. The photographs that were viewed document the help given to the stranding program by 2 EW volunteers (Lily Pearce & Jan Rymer - 1997 team III) after 4 rough-toothed dolphins were brought to Mote Marine Lab in critical condition. A third EW volunteer (Mary Streng) helped in transporting the dolphins to Mote. This group of dolphins were part of a larger stranded group, some of which were transported to other rehab facilities closer to the stranding site. One dolphin died upon arrival at Mote. Shortly after arrival, a second dolphin, "Comet", had to be euthanized when he went into kidney failure. (Three of the dolphins had survived as of the time these photos were taken). The remaining two were swimming on their own but still in critical condition as of Dec. 21 1997. This group was part of a group of approximately 60 rough-toothed dolphins that had stranded themselves. Many were turned back to sea, some died at the stranding site, and some were taken to marine facilities for rehabilitation. The animals at Mote Marine Lab were treated as wild animals and were held by volunteers only to support the animals when needed to maintain buoyancy, for feeding and medical procedures. Staff veterinarians administered antibiotics and were responsible for helping the animals survive. The white cream on the animals' bodies in front of the dorsal fin is protection from the sun. The ribbons on the animals' flukes enable the stranding team to identify the animals quickly, as notes are recorded on the dolphins' behaviors. These behaviors include: respirations, vocalizations, social interactions with other animals and swimming ability. For current updates on the status of these dolphins, please contact the Mote Marine Laboratory web page.
Mote Marine Laboratory Home Page
March 25, 1998
Alvin and Blitzen were successfully released today at 9:55
a.m. The two dolphins were transported 86 miles offshore
into the Gulf of Mexico, and presently both are doing well
and swimming together