SeaWorld Orlando Cares For Rough-Toothed Dolphin

On June 21, 2015, SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team was called by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to receive and care for a rough-toothed dolphin who was found beached on the shoreline of Clearwater Beach. Rough-toothed dolphins are found in warm climates and in deep waters. They are known to live near Hawaii and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. The 200-pound, 7-foot adult male was retrieved by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.

Upon arrival at SeaWorld, the dolphin was placed in a quarantine area where the SeaWorld Animal Rescue Team and veterinarians provided immediate treatment and care including, fluids and antibiotics.  

Due to the dolphin being severely weak, the animal care team is constantly monitoring the dolphin's respiration and four animal care experts are walking beside the dolphin 24/7 to help it gain strength. 

As of today (June 24, 2015), the dolphin is making minor progress, although still in critical condition at SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue facility. Now, more than 72 hours later, the dolphin is beginning to eat and swim on his own. His caretakers, although still in the pool, now offer minimal guidance to help direct him.  As test results come in over the next week or so, continued treatment and care will be provided to the animal.

These tests will help the team understand the animal’s over-all health and see if there is any inflammation or infections. He will continue receiving around-the-clock care during his treatment, with the ultimate goal to rehabilitate and return him to the wild.

Rough-toothed dolphins are typically found in deep waters and are known to live near Hawaii and the Northern Gulf of Mexico. 

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the ocean. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 26,000 animals in need - ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned - for more than five decades.

If you see an injured marine animal, you can help by calling the Florida Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline at 1-888-404-3922.

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