The Dolphin IMMS rescued on October 18, 2006 has been named Cajun

The dolphin that IMMS rescued on October 18, 2006 has been named Cajun. We had held a naming contest for him through our local news station and our website.  Several people had suggested this name, and we thought it was appropriate for him because of the area in which he was found, Grand Terre, LA.

Currently Cajun is still in the rehabilitation process.  He now eats about 10-14 pounds a day, split into 4 feeds.   His diet consists of a lean fish and a fatty fish called capelin and sardines, respectively.  He is eating on his own now as we hand feed him from the side of the pool. He has a blood sample taken about every 2 weeks so we can keep a close eye on his health. Overall, during his rehab course with us he has been slowly progressing although he has had a few regressions in terms of his response to antibiotics. The good news is that he has tested negative for any extremely concerning infectious diseases such as Morbillivirus, Toxoplasmopsis, and Brucella. An endoscopy, x -rays and an ultrasound have been performed on him and no abnormalities were observed. However, he is not “out of the woods” just yet.  He needs to gain approximately 15-20 pounds to be at a safe and healthy weight for his length. In addition, we have not yet been able to discontinue his antibiotics for any length of time, as our blood samples and his behavior have indicated.  Both of his eyes are now fully open, though they both have scarring present, as was expected, especially in his left eye.

We have introduced him to a variety of enrichment devices in his pool to keep him stimulated. These items include balls, hula hoops, plastic bats, buoys and his favorite, a vacuum hose that he enjoys pulling around the pool with him.  At first he wasn’t quite sure what to do with these things, but after a few days he started to catch on and inspect them closer.  Now he pushes them around the pool and seems very entertained by them! Keep checking for future updates on Cajun. Thanks to all who have helped in his rescue and rehabilitation efforts!

Click here to see Cajun's latest web photo album!

_________________________________________________________

Dolphin Rescued October 18, 2006; Currently under IMMS Care

(Original Stranding Article)

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.

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.

Help the dolphins today by making a donation to IMMS! All of our conservation, research, and rehabilitation efforts here at IMMS require significant resources.  Your generous donations will greatly help with the endless needs that arise in tending to sick and injured marine animals and in conducting research. To help now, please click the icon on the left.