Rescue & Rehab
Necropsy findings for Pygmy Sperm Whale, "Gauge"
From MMC President, Robert Lingenfelser:
To all of the volunteers; and especially to those who were able to commit some time for us during the most recent stranding event: A necropsy was performed on Gauge Thursday 2/28/08 at the National Marine Fisheries Service Marine Science Center. Gross Pathology showed that Gauge, our Pygmy Sperm Whale, died of complications due to heart failure. Like many of his species, this is commonly found upon examination after death. Causes of these heart problems are still unknown and it’s one of the reasons MMC and its sister organizations exist, to help find the answers. We had, as we always do, high hopes for Gauge, because of what we thought was his younger age (still an adult, just not quite full grown). He had not ingested any plastic trash and nothing else apparent was found. Histopathology and toxicology will take some several weeks to a few months to complete, but the immediate cause of death was obvious.
Without your dedication of time, money and effort, we would not be able to do this work. I am always amazed by your dedication, perseverance and the sense of accomplishment you all bring to this organization, whether you’re a first time volunteer here on vacation or one of the dedicated “volunteer staff” that make this organization what it is. Thank you all for the honor and pleasure you help bring to this work.
Sincerely,
Robert G. Lingenfelser Jr, President
Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc.
February 27, 2008:
Sad news: Gauge, as he is called by volunteers, passed away this afternoon at approximately 4:30. Necropsy procedure will be performed to determine the cause of his condition.
Our role in the lives of these gracious creatures is often all too brief, and it is never easy to face the reality of rehabilitation--sometimes loss is inevitable. For volunteers who have spent the past 5 days tending to Gauge, and for those who were planning to do so, we wish our sincere gratitude and admiration. Thank you for all that you do to make a difference.
February 24, 2008:
The whale spent an uneventful night, accompanied by volunteers lending physical support. In his weakened condition, this support is necessary for a marine mammal unable to swim on its own. Volunteers also monitor the animal's heart and respiratory rates every 30 mintues. Periodic "strolls" around the sea pen provide some physical activity—to aid in the prevention of pneumonia, a common ailment experienced by marine mammals which strand.
While every rehab animal has a specific identifying number assigned as per protocols of rehab management, often as we work with the animals we observe elements of its personality or appearance that eventually become the animal's nickname. Both of this whale's pectoral fins have healed perforations which reminded volunteers of decorative piercings--thus, he has now been affectionately dubbed "Gauge."
February 23, 2008:
This 10.5-foot male Pygmy Sperm Whale (Kogia breviceps) stranded in shallows behind a private home on Lower Matecumbe Key in Islamorada. Watchful property owners contacted authorities and the animal was rescued and stabilized on site. Transport took place later the same afternoon in a cooperative effort led by Marine Mammal Conservancy with assistance from Monroe County Fire and Rescue and Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Rehab is being conducted in the basin area of MMC's site, in the natural water of the Florida Bay. Early treatment includes hydration for the severely dehydrated whale, as well as around-the-clock physical support from volunteers.
For a complete history of strandings and results, please click
here.
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