Date: Sat, 1 Feb, 1997
Stranded dolphin - Key West

We have had an event yesterday here in Key West of a dolphin going to shallow water. This female dolphin aprox.8' 6" in length and 350 lbs. was recovered by concerned volunteer's in the communities response network.

She is presently being cared for in an interem facillity pending further evaluation.

Identification, so far as species is Tursiops.

This dolphin, upon initial physical examination, has no teeth. Her rostrum is elongated and somewhat tubular and has a red-orange (described as looking like spaghetti stains) markings along the lower jaw, exterior, some slighly raised.

It is not known if this malady has been observed, (captive or wild environments) as to whether this could be an oral or gum disease that has caused this animal to lose all solid dentifrace.

There has been speculation of course that old age is a factor but this animal appears to be a fully mature female with very little scarring, 12 to 15 yrs. of age.

She is as could be expected somewhat lean from her ordeal, but has a strong heartbeat, good respirations and is responding well to her caregivers. [Captain Gary Elston - Dolphin Watch]



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