Wednesday evening, October 18, 2006, IMMS received a phone call from the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) reporting a stranded dolphin on the muddy beach of Grand Terre, LA.

IMMS quickly gathered its stranding team and made the drive to Grand Terre, from where they took a 30 minute boat ride to the island beach where the dolphin was located. A Louisiana Fish and Wildlife staff member had found the animal while walking along the beach.

IMMS assessed the situation and decided to bring the dolphin back to their facility for veterinary care and rehabilition. The stranding team carefully and diligently loaded the dolphin onto a specialized stretcher and made the move from Grand Terre, LA back to Gulfport, MS to the new facility (still under construction). 

The dolphin is a young (juvenile) male that measures in at a little over six feet. After medical evaluation IMMS determined that he likely has an infection / inflammation that is being treated with antibiotics. The dolphin has also held his left eye closed which is likely due to minor trauma from lying on his side while stranded on the beach. His skin appears to be sun or wind burned on most of his dorsal side (this side was facing the weather while stranded), but is quickly sloughing off and being replaced by new healthy skin.

The dolphin needs assisted feeds, but he is swimming well and looks to be regaining any strength lost in his stranding. IMMS is monitoring the dolphin continuously throughout the day and night.

Check back soon for continued updates!

Updates

• March 27, 2007 - Click here to read the latest on Cajun and to view updated pictures

 

Pictures of Rescue and Shortly Thereafter

(Click pictures below to see larger versions.)

IMMS stranding team putting the dolphin on the stretcher on the beach.	Dr. Connie Chevis and Tim Hoffland riding back from the island with the dolphin.	The stranding team with the dolphin on the beach.
Located at the new facility the dolphin is swimming in its pool.	The dolphin being fed with the assistance of our veterinarian and staff.	Emma Jarvis and Dr. Connie Chevis take blood for lab work from the dolphin.
The temporary stranding pool and offices as the new facility undergoes construction.

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