Rescue & Rehab June 23, 2008 - End of suffering for Beaked Whale at MMC
Sad news this evening: examination of diagnostic results revealed a very bleak picture for our patient's survival. As of 6:13 pm today, her suffering has ended.
In rehabilitation, people come together to volunteer in the spirit of giving, and often experience a profound effect of having received. Although her time with us was very short, she graced us with a tremendous opportunity to learn.
Each animal we care for contributes to the body of knowlege that guides the members of the Stranding Network and the research work of many other fields. This whale's contribution is even more significant because so little information has been available about Beaked Whales in general. Scientists will be able to study data collected from our records as well as results of necropsy when that procedure is completed.
June 22, 2008 - Beaked Whale is Female:
Initial stranding assessments have given way to slightly more information about the whale. During evaluation of medical condition, her gender was positively identified as female. Positive identification of her species variety has yet to be confirmed, however. Originally thought to be a Gervais' Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus), her physical characterisitcs may be more typical of the Sowerby's Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon bidens). Identification of Beaked Whale species is complicated; there are several varieties whose physical differences can be very slight. Positive identification will depend on DNA testing from blood samples.
From a rehabilitation standpoint, very little is known about the Beaked Whale species and its varieties. These deep water animals are quite rare to see and scientific knowledge is limited; successful rehabilitation has yet to be accomplished. With that in mind, throughout the whale's care during her time with us, husbandry staff will keep careful records of details about her and this endeavor has the potential to lend needed information about her species.
This animal is approximately 15 feet in length and weighs an estimated 1600 pounds. Diagnostic procedures are in progress as assessment of her ailments and health status is necessary to determine any treatment she is given. In the meantime, MMC continues our efforts to stabilize her medical condition.
June 20, 2008 - Beaked Whale Stranding:
Friday morning brought calls of a stranding in the Islamorada area. An MMC team was on site within the half hour. The whale stranded near mile marker 75, was stabilized at the stranding site, then transported to MMC in the afternoon for further care.
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