GWMI Rehabitlies Rough-Toothed Dolphin

Over the weekend, our team of veterinary experts from Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) were contacted by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission about the stranding of a dolphin at St. Vinvent Island National Wildlife Refuge in Franklin County, Florida.

It was a female rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) weighing around 77 kilograms that was stranded in shallow water on the gulf side of the island. Upon arrival on scene our team of GWMI specialists and veterinarians were able to collect blood samples and do a basic health assessment of the dolphin which was later transported to the rehabilitation center.

Currently, the dolphin is being monitored 24 hours a day, 7 days a week since the rescue team must be alert to her condition and behavior at all times, so far she has presented a remarkable improvement, she is no longer swimming alone and has begun to eat the fish that our specialists give to her.

Marine mammal rehabilitation efforts are extensive and expensive, and any help is appreciated; per marine mammal rehabilitation can cost upwards of $15,000 in the first week alone. For those interested in donating to GWMI’s rehabilitation and stranding efforts, please visit www.gwmi.info