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Rescue & Rehab
History
| DATE: |
January 1998 |
COMMON NAME: |
(1) Gervais' Beaked Whale |
| FAMILY: |
Ziphidae |
SPECIES: |
Mesoplodon europaeus |
| LOCATION: |
Key West , FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
n/a |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM NMFS |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Rick Trout, MMC |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys |
| SUPPORT: |
MMC, Florida Marine Patrol |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMC, MMC Volunteers, WRFK Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
MMC coordinates round the clock care for stranded 14 foot beaked whale found in waters off of Sugarloaf Key. This female whale is very near death and dies in less than 36 hours after which she is iced wrapped and covered by tent for on site necropsy per request of NMFS. |
| Status: |
(1) Died during Attempted Rehabilitation |
| DATE: |
11 May 1999 |
COMMON NAME: |
Manatee |
| FAMILY: |
Sirenian |
SPECIES: |
Trichechus |
| LOCATION: |
Key Largo , FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
n/a |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Mandy Rodriguez, DRC |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Dolphin Research Center |
| SUPPORT: |
MMC, Dolphin's Plus, Dolphin's Cove, Atlantis Dive Center |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF Volunteers, MMC, MMC Volunteers, Howard Johnson's Resort |
| DISPOSITION: |
A manatee was found on the beach at Howard Johnson's Resort in Key Largo with a severe tension pneumothorax. Despite calls on this manatee starting at 10:30am , no response began until MMC was called at 3:30pm . MMC coordinated and got the proper agency's to respond to this severely injured manatee. MMC participated in the capture and handling of this marine mammal for transport to the Miami Seaquarium. |
| Status: |
(1) Saved for rehabilitation at Miami Seaquarium |
| DATE: |
22 May 1999 |
COMMON NAME: |
Manatee |
| FAMILY: |
Sirenian |
SPECIES: |
Trichechus |
| LOCATION: |
Key Largo , FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
n/a |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Tom Pitchford, FDEP, Mandy Rodriguez, DRC |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Dolphin Research Center |
| SUPPORT: |
MMC, Dolphin's Plus, Dolphin's Cove, Miami Seaquarium |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF Volunteers, MMC, MMC Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
In a preplanned capture, a manatee that had been monitored for over two years by MMC, DRC, and FDEP was finally net captured by personnel from DRC and FDEP. MMC and other volunteers assisted in the loading for transport to the Miami Seaquarium. Dually as he became known was released by personnel from Miami Seaquarium and DRC in August of 1999 in Islamorada , FL. |
| Status: |
(1) Assist with capture for rehabilitation at Miami Seaquarium
|
| DATE: |
16 October 1999 |
COMMON NAME: |
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Tursiops truncatus |
| LOCATION: |
Plantation Key, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Clifford Glade, DVM |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Greg Bossart, DVM, UM, Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM, NMFS |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Laura Urian, MARS |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS) |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, Dolphin's Plus |
| LOCAL AID: |
Local Residents, MMRF & MMC Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
This dolphin named Rocky by local residents and renamed Napoleon by MARS personnel stranded on a coral rock beach in Plantation Key. Local residents called several facilities for help. Despite recommendations by Dr. Glade, DVM, MMRF & MMC personnel to at least stabilize the dolphin on site; It was decided by NMFS personnel that this animal would be taken to the MARS facility at the Florida International University (North Campus) for care and rehabilitation. MARS and MMC personnel along with volunteers from both groups provided around the clock care for this dolphin. NMFS decided to transfer this animal to Clearwater Marine Aquarium on 12 December 1999 , where Rocky died December 25, 1999 of Acute & rapid onset pneumonia. |
| Status: |
(1) Died after successful rehabilitation and NMFS decision to transfer across State. |
| DATE: |
31 October 1999 |
COMMON NAME: |
Risso's Dolphin |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Grampus griseus |
| LOCATION: |
Sunshine Key, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Clifford Glade, DVM |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Denise Jackson, WRFK |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys |
| SUPPORT: |
MMC |
| LOCAL AID: |
WRFK Volunteers, Florida State Park Employees |
| DISPOSITION: |
This very old Risso's dolphin stranded on Sunshine Key. She was discovered by campground personnel and WRFK responded immediately. This animal had two severe large shark bites in the lower caudical area. Blood was taken the next morning by MMC personnel and transported to the UM Pathology Lab, but before it could be analyzed, the animal died. The dolphin was transported by NMFS personnel to the NMFS Virginia Key Labs for necropsy. |
| Status: |
(1) Died before Rehabilitation could begin. |
| DATE: |
January 27, 2000 |
COMMON NAME: |
75 - 100 Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Tursiops truncatus |
| LOCATION: |
Long Key, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Rodriguez, DRC, Craig Pelton, MARS |
| LOA HOLDER: |
DRC / MARS / WRFK / NMFS / MMRF |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, DRC, WRFK, Long Key State Research Center , FMP , U.S. Coast Guard, Long Key Volunteer Fire Department |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF, DRC, MARS & WRFK Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
This mass stranding still has many unanswered questions. Initial reports estimated at over 100 animals stranding. The decision was made by NMFS personnel to push all animals still alive offshore with a human chain. Approximately 40 animals were confirmed dead. There are unconfirmed reports by individuals of many others dead or dying in the offshore mangrove islands. |
| Status: |
Unable to convince NMFS personnel to isolate and attempt to rehabilitate or at least mark the animals for later identification if they were to strand again. MMRF personnel left the site in protest of the decision, but continued to respond in the following days to reports of other strandings related to this incident. |
| DATE: |
January 29, 2000 |
COMMON NAME: |
(1) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Tursiops truncatus |
| LOCATION: |
Duck Key, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Art Cooper, MMRF |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF Volunteers, FMP |
| LOCAL AID: |
N/A |
| DISPOSITION: |
Was ordered by NMFS personnel to transport and
turn over the single juvenile animal to MARS at the Long Key
State Research Station for Rehabilitation. |
| Status: |
This dolphin was rehabilitated and then transferred
to Theater of the Sea for their Swim Program. |
| DATE: |
June 10, 2001 |
COMMON NAME: |
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Tursiops truncatus |
| LOCATION: |
Plantation Key, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Laura L’Heureux-Kupkee, DVM |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Art Cooper, MMRF |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Key Largo |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, U.S. Coast Guard, Village of Islamorada |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF & MMC Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
A dolphin was swimming in circles in what is known
as the cow pens on the Bay side near Tavernier, Florida. The
U.S. Coast Guard responded and provided transportation for MMC
& MMRF personnel to the site where the dolphin was observed
to be in distress. The animal was transported very slowly to
Plantation Key Yacht Harbor and died in route. The body was
taken by MMC & MMRF personnel to Virginia Key for Necropsy. |
| Status: |
(1) died before Rehabilitation could begin. |
| DATE: |
July 27, 2001 |
COMMON NAME: |
Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Tursiops truncatus |
| LOCATION: |
Key Largo, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Tim Tristin, Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM, Laura L’Heureux-Kupkee,
DVM |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M. |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Kyle Lane, MMRF |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Key Largo |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, MARS, FMP |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF, MMC & MARS Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
Responded to a dolphin calf MMC & MMRF had
been attempting to find since the later part of June. The calf
was being tracked by Ms. Laura Urian of the National Marine
Sanctuary and despite being ready with all available equipment
MMC & MMRF were required to wait approximately 3 hours for
NMFS and MARS personnel to arrive. The calf was captured at
approximately 6:00 PM by MMRF personnel without it’s attendant
mother and transported to Long Key in the care of MARS personnel.
Offers of local facilities and equipment were ignored and refused.
The calf died on July 29th, 2001. |
| Status: |
(1) Died under MARS attempted Rehabilitation in
above ground tank. |
| DATE: |
3 November 2001 |
COMMON NAME: |
Manatee |
| FAMILY: |
Sirenian |
SPECIES: |
Trichechus |
| LOCATION: |
Key Largo, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Laura L’Heureux-Kupkee |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Robert Rose, Miami Seaquarium |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Miami Seaquarium |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, Dolphin's Plus, Miami Seaquarium |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF/MMC Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
Despite the approach of a hurricane, Miami Seaquarium
personnel along with MMC and MMRF attempted to capture a calf
that had a severe cut just above it’s fluke. After the
first failed attempt, further efforts were called off due to
darkness and safety concerns for both the attending manatees
and the injured calf. The calf was captured two days later by
personnel from FFWCC, DRC and Miami Seaquarium in a preplanned
capture. |
| Status: |
(1) Failed to capture. This calf later died at
Miami Seaquarium from it’s injuries. |
| DATE: |
3 April 2002 |
COMMON NAME: |
Dwarf Sperm Whale |
| FAMILY: |
Kogia |
SPECIES: |
Simus |
| LOCATION: |
Grassy Key, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Laura L’Heureux-Kupkee |
| LEAD VET: |
N/A |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Rick Trout |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Inc. |
| SUPPORT: |
MMC & Paula Flannagan of the NOAA Sanctuary
Office |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF/MMC Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
The Dwarf Sperm Whale died within twenty minutes
of arrival. A necropsy was performed on site per the request
of Jenny Litz of NMFS. Samples were delivered to the Virginia
Key Lab for analysis the following morning. |
| Status: |
(1) Died before Rehabilitation could begin. |
| DATE: |
6 April 2002 |
COMMON NAME: |
(2) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
(1 adult female and 1 nursing calf) |
| FAMILY: |
Delphinidae |
SPECIES: |
Tursiops truncatus |
| LOCATION: |
Tavernier, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Ian Kupkee |
| LEAD VET: |
N/A |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Rick Trout |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, Dolphin's Plus, FMP |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF/MMC Volunteers |
| DISPOSITION: |
An adult female dolphin was hit by a boat and
cut by it’s propellers. A cut just below and to the right
of the blowhole extended approximately 4 inches by about one
inch of depth. A second cut removed a triangular section from
the top of the dorsal fin. The third and final cut was observed
midline along the caudical ridge approximately 8" behind
the dorsal extending approximately 6 inches across and appeared
to be 1.5 to 2" deep. No obvious signs of infection were
observed. After observation and close visual evaluation of the
adult female, the consensus and decision was not to capture
either marine mammal at this time. The calf was observed nursing,
and the injured adult female seemed to be able to care for both
herself and the calf. A BOLO has been issued so that we can
continue to monitor this female and calf. |
| Status: |
(2) Monitored in the Wild |
| DATE: |
18 May 2002 |
COMMON NAME: |
Manatee |
| FAMILY: |
Sirenian |
SPECIES: |
Trichechus |
| LOCATION: |
Key Largo, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Chris Plante, Miami Seaquarium |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Miami Seaquarium |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, Dolphin's Plus, Miami Seaquarium |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF / MMC Volunteers / Miami Seaquarium Staff |
| DISPOSITION: |
“Dually”, as she is known, was reported
for weeks in a neighborhood near MM 100 Bayside and calls were
finally made to MMC to rescue this manatee so that fishing line
could be removed from her left pectoral fin. Dually is so named
because of the severe fishing line entanglement that nearly
amputated both of her flippers which required surgery and a
lengthy recovery in 1999. After obtaining permission from State
and Federal Officials a team from Miami Seaquarium was dispatched
to supervise and provide veterinary care and transport if required.
Fortunately, Dually semi-cooperated with the net capture and
was removed from the water for treatment and removal of the
new fishing line entanglement. Dr. Hernandez determined that
Dually would not have to be transported and was released back
into the wild. |
| Status: |
(1) Rescued and Released |
| DATE: |
4 June 2002 |
COMMON NAME: |
Dwarf Sperm Whale |
| FAMILY: |
Kogia |
SPECIES: |
Simus |
| LOCATION: |
Key Largo, FL |
ATTENDING VET: |
Dr. Laura L’Heureaux DVM |
| LEAD VET: |
Dr. Charles Manire, DVM , Mote Marine |
DIR OF HUSBANDRY: |
Rick Trout, Marine Mammal Conservancy |
| LOA HOLDER: |
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation |
| SUPPORT: |
MMRF, MMC, Dolphin's Plus |
| LOCAL AID: |
MMRF / MMC Volunteers / Island Dolphin Care /
Florida Keys Wild Bird Center / |
| DISPOSITION: |
This old, by Sperm Whale Standards, Dwarf Sperm
Whale, fondly called Doc, beached himself near Naples Florida.
He was transported to the MMC site by members of the Marine
Mammal Stranding Network. Doc was stabilized for a short period
and then began to exhibit bloating. Multiple tests including
x-rays, ultrasound, and endoscopic examination were scheduled
on the 11th day. Doc refused to breathe during the first ultrasound
procedure and was returned to the water after 8 minutes of time.
Doc continued to refuse to breathe and Dolphin CPR was begun.
Doc was pronounced dead after 22 minutes of effort. Necropsy
results showed that Doc had a small hole in his lung (probably
caused during transport from Naples) and cardiomyopathy (a degenerative
weakening of the heart muscle). Doc has the distinction of being
the first Dwarf Sperm Whale ever kept alive for more than 36
hours, much less stabilized. Doc’s data will be used to
treat other’s of his species in the hope that one day
we can treat, stabilize and release this species back into the
wild. |
| Status: |
(1) Died |
Pg 25 to 29 in notebook
NOTE: Does not include the seventeen {17} marine mammals already
deceased, where necropsies were performed and samples or bodies
were taken to the NMFS Virginia Key Lab in Miami, Florida.
NOTE: There are a large number of individuals, organizations, businesses
and experts that are not listed, but who have made our efforts on
behalf of stranded marine mammals achievable. We could not have
done it without them and our thanks go out to all of you, even though
we could not list all of you in the brief descriptions above.
Program Accomplishments:
Natural Lagoon Rehabilitation Or Open Water Status Record
Note: In joint efforts or as individuals participating
with other organizations since 1987
|
| 1 |
Rehabilitated and Released: |
55 |
| 2 |
Captive saved after intentional or accidental Release: |
5 |
| 3 |
Saved and Released without Rehabilitation: |
2 |
| 4 |
Died During Rehabilitation: |
37 |
| 5 |
Died Before Rehabilitation Could Begin (The first 12 hours): |
15 |
| 6 |
Ongoing Monitoring of injured marine mammals: |
2 |
| 7 |
Response to marine mammals Dead on Arrival: |
36 |
| |
Total: |
152 |
| |
Percentage of Success: |
63% |
Note: The Percentage of success is based on the following formula:
Total number of marine mammals in items 1 through 3 (62) divided
by the total number of marine mammals in items 1 through 4 (99)
= 63%
Note: Many organizations only count the number of marine mammals
that were thought to be treatable but in turn died anyway. The Marine Mammal Conservancy includes all marine mammals that come to us regardless of medical status.
Other Statistics:
Assists with other strandings but not involved in Rehabilitation: 6
Assist with Manatees (No known deaths):
6
Assist with Sea Turtles: 3
Shark Releases: (10 Nurse Sharks, 2 Lemon Sharks): 12
Total Marine Animal Response: 150
Evaluation Criteria
Of the above releases, the Marine Mammal Conservancy is the only
known organization to successfully release a pilot whale which has
overcome the deadly morbilli virus so that her genes could be passed
on to a new generation. The joint MMRF/MMC team along with advice
from Dr. Charles Manire, DVM of Mote Marine Labs is also the only
known organization to successfully stabilize a Dwarf Sperm Whale
for attempted treatment. Though this Dwarf Sperm Whale only lived
for eleven (11) days, no other organization has been able to keep
this species alive for more than 36 hours, much less been able to
stabilize one. The Dwarf Sperm Whale had a heart condition known
as cardio myopathy (weakening of the heart muscle) and no known
cure was possible. When taking the true number of animals in to
rehabilitation, MMC has one of the best records of care in the United
States for cetaceans.
The construction of a dedicated natural water facility will allow
MMC to further the science of low stress natural environment medical
treatment, rehabilitation and the furtherance of release protocols.
Environmental Impact
NOAA Fisheries requirements state that no marine mammal shall
be released back into the wild without first being certified healthy
and a non-danger to existing populations. That process involves
the review of medical records by seventeen (17) marine mammal veterinarians
and a permit by NOAA Fisheries. The Marine Mammal Conservancy also
insures that release candidates are able to capture their own food
and are desensitized to human contact as part of our own release
protocols.
Abbreviations:
Personal:
DVM: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
VMD: Veterinary Medical Doctor
Organizations:
FDEP: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FMP: Florida Marine Patrol
MMC: Marine Mammal Conservancy
MMRF: Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation of the Upper Keys
WRFK: Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys
MARS: Marine Animal Rescue Society
DRC: Dolphin Research Center
MMSC: Marine Mammal Stranding Center in Brigantine, New Jersey
NMFS: National Marine Fisheries Service
UM: University of Miami Pathology Lab located at the Jackson Memorial
Hospital Complex in Miami Florida
General:
LOA: Letter of Agreement issued to organizations by the National
Marine Fisheries Service
MM: Mile Marker; The easiest most effective way to identify locations
in the Florida Keys. The mile markers are referenced along the Overseas
Highway.
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