KEY LARGO, Fla. -- A rough-tooth dolphin that was rescued after stranding off the Florida Keys unexpectedly delivered a stillborn calf Sunday while in rehabilitation while a second dolphin gave birth to a calf that later died.
After the birth, the female dolphin remained in guarded condition and a necropsy was being performed on the baby, said Becky Arnold, director of the Florida Keys Marine Mammal Rescue Team. The team was caring for the dolphins on Summerland Key, about 25 miles east of Key West. "We were looking for symptoms and signs that caused the stranding, but we didn't think she was in labor," Arnold said. More than 60 rough-tooth dolphins beached Wednesday in just a few inches of water on flats and sandbars about a quarter mile off Marathon, about 45 miles east of Key West. More than 20 of them have died or been euthanized. Officials from one of three rehabilitation centers aiding the dolphins asked for more volunteers Sunday. "Some of the animals are in such bad condition they need to be physically held up so they can breathe," said Lloyd Brown, vice president of the Marine Mammal Conservancy in Key Largo. As of Sunday afternoon, the Conservancy was caring for 26 dolphins. Brown said the center also needs food and water for volunteers and money for dolphin food and medication. "This will be one of the largest efforts ever made on rehabilitation of stranded mammals in history," said Robert Lingenfelser, president of the Conservancy. "This is a major effort on a little nonprofit that's all-volunteer."Veterinarians and experts now have two theories as to why the dolphins stranded themselves. The U.S. Navy and marine wildlife experts are investigating whether a submarine used sonar before dozens of dolphins beached themselves. Another theory says the dolphins were suffering from an infection before they became stranded.Dolphin caretakers are in desperate need of more volunteers and are asking for donations as well. They say 30 people are needed for each shift, that's six volunteers per four-hour shift per day.If you'd like to help, call the Marine Mammal Conservancy at (305) 451-4774.
Copyright 2005 by NBC6.net The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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Stranding Investigation Continues
