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Rescue & Rehab

7/28/07 - Fond Farewells at MMC, Welcome Mat out at Dolphins Plus

On July 25, 2007, in a mid-afternoon transport that took approximately 8 minutes, Castaway was successfully moved to Dolphins Plus Research and Education Facility in Key Largo, where she will ultimately reside.

Dr. Stevens attended Castaway during the transport and was pleased to note that she handled the transition beautifully, showing no overt signs of stress during the short ride. Once in her new surroundings, she accepted a meal immediately—a testament to her calm nature and comfort level in her new environment.

MMC volunteers—who have spent the past 7 months caring for Castaway and growing to love her—could wish for no better situation for an unreleasable dolphin in our care than her move to Dolphins Plus. Although there is touch of sadness in bidding her farewell, we know she will receive the very best of loving care. Dolphins Plus has a long history of providing permanent, healthy and happy home environments for non-releasable stranded marine mammals and are committed to Castaway's long-term care and proper socialization with members of her own species at her own pace.

At this time, Castaway is continuing behavioral enrichment to enhance her social skills, and will soon be integrated with her new dolphin family. For further updates and information about Castaway, please visit Dolphins Plus at their website.

7/24/07 - Winding down

Castaway continues to be well, with a healthy appetite and increasing interest in play activity. Staff is preparing for her upcoming move and looking forward to seeing her successful transition to the Dolphins Plus pod.

Once Castaway is safely settled, work at the MMC site will focus on cleaning up and storing the temporary amenities that have been in use throughout our 24/7 vigil with Castaway over the past seven months. We will prepare the site for the upcoming storm season before MMC volunteers take a much-deserved breather—and prepare for the next stranding event. Several trainings are scheduled in the coming months.

7/8/07 - Looking Ahead

As the time for transfer to her permanent home at Dolphins Plus draws near, staff has concentrated on Castaway's overall health and well being to ensure that her transition will be successful—both for her and for the dolphins with whom she will ultimately be in contact.

New techniques for social interaction with Castaway are designed to increase her activity level and the results have been encouraging.

In the meantime, her appetite has been healthy. Results of further diagnostic testing will help us to determine when Castaway is ready for transfer.

There have been many "highs and lows" for caregivers in the course of Castaway's rehab, but we now anticipate the time when this incredibly strong survivor can once again be in the company of her own kind.

6/30/07 - Ongoing Care for Castaway

Castaway seems to be fairly well and has settled once again into behaviors we observed before the calf came. She is eating and enjoys social time with caregivers in the water. Training has begun again, and Castaway is generally cooperative and interested during sessions.

Now that pregnancy is no longer a concern, we are in the process of scheduling advanced medical diagnostics to more fully evaluate Castaway's condition. These tests will be performed as soon as possible.

The wishes we continue to receive from people following Castaway's story have been very uplifting during the challenges presented in her rehab. We are grateful for your messages in support of our work. Thank you.

6/18/07 -

STATEMENT FROM MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY REGARDING NECROPSY ON CASTAWAY¹S CALF:

A thorough and detailed necropsy was performed Friday by an independent investigator selected by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).

Representatives from NMFS and the Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC) were also present.

At this time, no apparent cause of death has been established.

Further tests on multiple tissue samples, submitted to several independent labs are pending, and it can take anywhere from several weeks to several months for results to be finalized.

Upon completion of the inquiry, MMC will make necropsy results available to the public including publishing them on its Website at www.marinemammalconservancy.org.

6/16/07 - In Memory of "Wilson"— June 11 - 15, 2007

In the field of marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation, often there are times of great sadness. Though we celebrate even the small improvements in rehab, it's always with guarded optimism. Today, as we mourn the loss of her calf, we are mindful that it is Castaway who needs us now, and we will be there for her.

The following message is from MMC President, Robert Lingenfelser:

Thank you to everyone for your condolences and well wishes. The calf started showing signs of distress Thursday night at approximately 9:00 PM. Staff and volunteers that were off immediately returned to assist those of us who were still here. We took over all of Castaway’s duties as a mother while still keeping her close to help attend to her baby. No one could have done more.

The calf died Friday morning at 11:12 AM, despite our best efforts and experience. I am so proud of the personnel and volunteers here who stayed up all night to help in any way possible as well as the volunteers and supporters from around the world whose well wishes, prayers and time spent here make such a difference. Angels aren’t just in heaven; they live and work here, too.

MMC staff was given the honor of naming the calf and voted on the name “Wilson.”

Thank You to everyone.

Sincerely,

Robert G. Lingenfelser Jr.
President

6/14/07 - Four days old!

6/12/07 - Quiet time for mother and baby

Despite her hearing impairment, Castaway has been doing fine keeping track of her youngster. The two are in almost constant physical contact, which is normal for any new calf and its mother.

Both appear to be well and, of course, are being monitored 24 hours a day by watchful staff on the dock. At this point, we feel the healthiest and most sustainable approach is to leave them alone as much as possible and let Castaway mother her calf.

6/11/07 - It's a boy!

News! After a very brief time in labor, Castaway gave birth to her healthy calf today at 2:53 pm. The newborn is approximately 42 inches long and probably weighs about 25 to 30 pounds. The pair have obviously bonded, and the calf is keeping mama quite busy following him as he swims.

6/5/07

No news this week--yet. Castaway continues to keep us all in suspense while her baby develops inside her. Certain things are less of a mystery, such as her appetite, which is very hearty.

Castaway is also a very tactile dolphin and appears to really anticipate her sessions with her caregivers. Robert and Stacey are in charge of her training and her relationship with each of them as her primary caregivers is very well-defined. She is not only cooperative but very affectionate with them both. Establishing trust has been the key to this success, and her trust in Robert and Stacey is obvious.

Castaway has bestowed that trust upon other MMC staff members, as well. She has shown remarkable confidence in her veterinary staff, even during blood testing procedures. Although medical procedures could be expected to be met with resistance, this wild creature participates most willingly. Regular visits from Dr. Stevens and Dr. Fly where medical testing is not performed have certainly aided in her ability to percieve her doctors as part of her human pod. It is gratifying to see her welcome Dr. Fly's approach as she enters the water to spend time with Castaway each evening.

And then there are one or two other people that Castaway simply appears to love, like Alice. Arriving early every morning, Alice tends to numerous small tasks before she heads for the fish kitchen to prepare Castaway's daily feeds. Following strict sanitary protocols, she carefully weighs fish for each feed, measures and bags supplements needed throughout the day, and faithfully keeps the daily log. When mealtime draws near, she'll prepare the bucket, then head down to the dock.

None of this dutiful work means much in Castaway's world--she's simply awaiting the time when her Alice will enter the water! Then she'll swim up and roll over like a puppy for Alice's ministrations. When those two get together, it's hard to tell whose "smile" is broader, Castaway's or Alice's!

6/3/07

Sunday dawns with blue skies-the first clear weather we've seen since Tropical Storm Barry began affecting the area a few days ago. The storm was mostly good news for South Floridians, providing much needed rain in the driest time in history. Blustery winds accompanied the showers, but did no damage at the MMC site.

Castaway's continues to eat well. Her consumption has been between 35 and 40 pounds of fish per day including approximately 18 pounds of capelin, 17 pounds of high-calorie herring and 4 pounds of sardines.

No sign yet of when Baby will arrive, but whatever the day may bring for Castaway and her calf, MMC staff and volunteers know Gerhard's list of tasks never ends.

5/28/07:

It was an active and hectic three-day weekend for MMC staff and volunteers. Several were on hand in Marathon to help Stacy with the Walkathon, then trucked back up the road to see what they could do to assist at the site. The usual tasks of scrubbing fences and other items of maintenance are always a little easier when more volunteers are available to help. Gerhard manages to keep us busy, organized and productive. MMC exists because of volunteers who care enough to give their time so generously.

Holiday visitors dropping by had the opportunity to ask their questions and observe Castaway from the shore of MMC's Lagoon. For many, the first question to arise now is, "when will she have the baby?"

Although we have a general idea based on the size of her calf and its growth rate in the previous months, the answer is we just don't know for sure. Dolphin pregnancy can last from 11 to 13 months, but because she was pregnant when she stranded, there is no way to be certain of when she conceived this calf. In spite of it all, Castaway's apparent level of comfort and adjustment in our human environment is satisfactory.

Another popular question is whether the calf is male or female. Our answer: we're just hoping for Castaway to have an easy delivery and a healthy calf! As we hope for the best, we prepare for any complications that may arise, and we wait.

In the meantime, Castaway's training has progressed satisfactorily. Her appetite is very healthy and she is strong.

5/19/07:

Castaway's short training sessions continue, and her behavior during medical procedures is evidence of her comfort level with human involvement.

Ultrasound was performed this weekend, confirming that the calf is a large one, and condition of both mother and calf appears to be sound.

Castaway's appetite has been quite healthy throughout the past week, and she responds immediately when "called" (we use a flashing strobe light) at feeding times.

Pre-recorded dolphin sounds are played in the water at certain times through the day. In a pod, the fetus experiences a wide variety of dolphin-emitted sounds. Since Castaway and the calf in her womb are isolated from other animals, it is hoped that the recordings will help fill the void of pod communication and stimulate the fetus' development.

The Research Team is recording Castaway's infrequent vocalizations and echolocations. Staff assists by maintaining detailed Ethograms (observation and detailed notation of Castaway's behavior and activities at specific time intervals) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

5/13/07 - Happy Mothers' Day:

Our soon to be mama and her calf have yet to meet face to face, but both are doing just fine. Castaway's appetite is healthy, her response to caregivers is willing and she appears to be very comfortable in her surroundings. During our very brief medical exam this morning, she was calm, unconcerned and cooperative - behavior that shows up more and more as her training progresses. The ease of examination for medical procedures is very important in order to reduce the risk of stress on the animal.

It has been a quiet couple of weeks for Castaway, although preparations at the MMC site have been in full swing. In the next week, set up will be completed on the research office, from which specialists in the field of dolphin communication and acoustics will gather and study data they record regarding Castaway.

At this time, little is known about the 'Offshore' variety of Tursiops truncatus. As an "ambassador" for this species, Castaway has captured much international attention. Her presence affords us a truly unique opportunity to record and study dolphin communication and acoustics, particularly due to her pregnant and hearing-impaired condition. A dolphin calf learns the skills it needs to survive from its mother and other members of its pod. Much may be learned from Castaway's ability to successfully adapt to her impairment, bear, care for and teach her calf. Marine mammal industry personnel around the world are focusing on this very special dolphin in our care.

4/29/07:

With the birthing pen in the water, this weekend's blood draw was a little different than usual. Our pen design has winches built into the system which allow us to change the depth of the entire pen for procedures such as this. A platform that Gerhard designed was also placed in the water and the system provided an excellent depth for volunteers to stand in as we held Castaway and assisted our vets in the procedure. The whole thing was done in minutes and Castaway, with her baby wiggling inside her, just took it all in stride.

Discussion regarding formula and calf bottles was a brainstorming session, and later Jana, Stacey and Sarah spent the afternoon setting up to practice mixing formula. We hope that Castaway is going to nurse her calf normally, but will be prepared in case she doesn't to assist the calf in getting the nutrition it needs.

Castaway was less interested in food this weekend. Her final feeding today was a full one, the first she's accepted all day. We know loss of appetite is a part of the process of labor, so we're watching her very closely, of course. Our Parturition team is on standby, awaiting news that something is about to happen. In the meantime, life goes on.

4/24/07:

Hard working volunteers made progress on the birthing pen this weekend. With all the hubbub going on nearby, Castaway took it all in stride while her regular schedule of feeding and socialization continued. Her training has been going well, and this is an important key to her well-being later on. Her ability to cooperate with human caregivers will serve her well when she finds herself in her new home.

4/21/07:

Castaway continues to fare well. Her current consumption of between 20 and 30 pounds of fish per day is regularly adjusted to meet her dietary needs and appetite. Her comfort level has appeared to remain fairly constant, even with much going on around her as volunteers made ready for the birthing pen to be lowered into the water.

Her activity level has increased in recent weeks, and she has spent more time swimming. This is not unexpected, as Castaway prepares herself for activity dolphins rely on during the process of birth. Through much of her time with us, when alone in the water, Castaway's behaviors have consisted mainly of logging and milling, interspersed with periods of active rubbing on her rub rope or on fences. She loves to scratch!

"Milling" describes a slow drifting movement from one place to another, while "logging" is the word we use to define a resting state—basically hanging around. Both behaviors have been considered "normal" for Castaway. Due to her hearing impairment and consequent reliance solely on vision to find her way, we might have been surprised if she had maintained a high level of activity. From the first day of being transferred into our Lagoon, Castaway made a very slow and careful exploration of her confines and then settled quickly into a routine of daily and nightly migrations from one end of the canal to another, roughly in time with the rising and setting of the sun. Her self-imposed limited activity ensures she never collides with barriers in her environment.

Our periods of socialization and enrichment have always focused on enticing Castaway to swim more actively. In the past few weeks, she has become more willing to follow caregivers and has seemed to understand how convenient "seeing-eye humans" can be! We think this is a positive sign for her birthing process. In the wild, a mother dolphin's pod mates will accompany her, swimming actively in the process of birth. MMC staff, observing from the dock, will be there to perform the same service for her if Castaway experiences difficulty during the birth.

From the continuous surrounding docks of the birthing pen, Castaway's
Parturition Team will be ready to assist, if necessary, during the birth of her calf.

As the weeks roll on, each day at the site has its focus, obstacles, and successes. Despite the challenges presented by the size and weight of birthing pen components, the pen's surrounding dock structure has now been laid in place in the lagoon. The enclosure material will be placed on Saturday and Sunday, final adjustments will be made, and MMC staff and volunteers will breathe out a long sigh of relief that this task is completed in time for the birth.

4/1/07:

MMC gets a lift from Americorps Volunteers!

April Fool's Day dawns to find MMC volunteers alert and awake as we draw nearer to the time when Castaway's calf will be born. The blessed event is now expected to take place between April 10 and May 10. Throughout the days and nights as the time draws near, Castaway reacts physically as her large, active calf moves and repositions itself in her womb.

With luck, it will be business as usual today! Feeding and socialization are on a schedule adjusted to Castaway's needs. We will also draw blood today for continued monitoring of her condition.

Gerhard and MMC staff change out docks.

Volunteers have the happy tasks of changing out docks and cleaning fences. Regular fence maintenance consists of diving with scrub brushes to clear daily accumulation of algal growth and barnacles from the fences and is necessary to maintain the water quality in our natural bay pen.

Construction of the birthing pen is also well underway and will continue. Led by Gerhard, volunteers are never without worthwhile occupation when they come for a shift!

The Birthing Pen's continuous surrounding dock
laid out on dry land

3/20/07:

Preparations for construction of the birthing pen are in progress as we draw nearer to Castaway's delivery date. Updated ultrasound information suggests that the calf could be born within the next 6 to 8 weeks. Images seen in the past week suggest that the calf is a large one.

Both mother and calf appear to be doing well, although Castaway has had some indications of discomfort. We expect that her pregnancy is progressing normally, and that includes the likelihood of Castaway experiencing some contraction activity as she gets closer to the time of delivery. We anticipate that she will refuse food within the hours preceding the calf's birth. This is a normal sign of impending delivery.

Correction:

It has been brought to our attention that inaccurate information was posted below in our update of 3/11/07. The update stated that conference calls regarding Castaway were conducted with the Working Group for Unusual Mortality Events, listing Dr. Samuel H. Ridgway, Dr. Michael T. Walsh and Dr. Laurie J. Gage as members. This is incorrect.

Our apologies to NMFS, Drs. Ridgway, Walsh, and Gage as well as to members of the Working Group for the misstatement.

-Editor

3/11/07:

Conference among experts and authorities have made this an important week. NOAA Fisheries has confirmed her status as non-releasable and this has immediate implications for the disposition of Castaway as well as her unborn calf. Taking part in the conference were experts consulted by NMFS as well as MMC veterinarians Dr. Robert O. Stephens and Dr. Jana Fly. Marine Mammal Conservancy President Robert Lingenfelser and Chairman Art Cooper also participated.

Among the distinguished experts involved in conference regarding Castaway's disposition were several individuals who are considered to be forebears of marine mammal medicine and science, including Dr. Samuel H. Ridgway, Dr. Michael T. Walsh, and Dr. Laurie J. Gage.

A consensus of opinion among the experts concerned in Castaway's disposition suggests that transportation of this animal in her late stage of pregnancy is inadvisable. Additionally, once her calf is born, transportation within the first 6 months is contraindicated by established protocols. Therefore, this animal and her calf may ultimately have a greater chance of survival if allowed to remain in MMC's rehab Lagoon through the next 9 months to one year.

The potential long-term care needs of our charge is MMC's first priority. Although we would always prefer to successfully rehabilitate and then release back to the wild, in situations where an animal's potential for survival in the wild is in question, MMC supports a quiet retirement for the animal. Optimally, following her delivery and after the calf has reached the age of at least 6 months, Castaway and her calf would be transported to a suitable location where they would be cared for permanently and remain together. Because she is a non-releasable wild animal, Federal law requires that such a location be a Public Display Facility. This is defined as a facility that provides opportunities for the public to view marine mammals in a captive environment. The decision about where Castaway and her calf are to be placed will be made by NMFS based, in part, on compliance with standards set forth by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).

In the meantime, we have intitiated work to plan for the more immediate future. While we await determination of Castaway's final disposition from the Federal authorities, we are preparing our resources and physical plant to be ready for her delivery of the calf.

This will require construction of a special birthing pen designed to safely contain mother and calf through the birth and in the calf's intial post-parturition period. The pen will be 60 feet long by 30 feet wide by 8 feet deep, constructed to exceed regulation standards, and will be surrounded by a continuous floating dock from which husbandry personnel will attend and be ready to assist Castaway in the birth and first moments of her calf's life, if necessary. Because we cannot be certain of the cause of her hearing impairment, we must anticipate the possibility that neurological malfunction could be a factor. If so, the possibility exists that Castaway may be unable to properly assist her calf in the first moments of its life.

Dolphins give birth near the surface. As the calf emerges tail first, the last part that comes into the water is its head. Once born, it must immediately swim to the surface and take its first breath. A calf may accomplish this on its own, or it may be aided by its mother or other members of its pod. If Castaway's maternal response does not serve her in these first moments, our husbandry staff will be prepared to assist.

3/4/07:

While our program of care is guided by protocols proven effective in rehabilitation of wild marine mammals and others of her species, it is important to remember that Castaway, as a wild animal, is likely unaccustomed to interaction of any sort with human beings.

2/25/07:

Over the past week since moving from our Bay pen, Castaway has settled into her routine and seems to be quite comfortable in MMC's Lagoon. Her appetite is healthy and we are currently offering her approximately 30 pounds of fish per day. The amount she consumes is carefully documented, and her feeds are adjusted continually based upon her nutritional needs and the amount she chooses to eat. Feeds are scheduled at approximately 3-hour intervals, 5 times throughout the day and evening.

Wild dolphins are opportunistic feeders, consuming a variety of different foods when they hunt, and their intake of water is supplied entirely by their food. Castaway's diet in rehab consists mainly of both lean and high-calorie herring and capelin. This variety provides the balance of Castaway's caloric needs and the capelin's relatively high water content also aids in proper hydration. Prenatal vitamins and other supplements are also added to her food as prescribed by our veterinary staff.

Dolphins are highly social animals, living together in pods in the wild. Because Castaway is without company from her own species, we believe it is important for her well-being to provide socialization and enrichment for her. At various intervals, husbandry staff provide time in the water with Castaway. This time consists of physical therapy and massage, as well as swimming interaction to help keep her activity at a healthy level.

In addition to feeding, medical procedures, socialization and enrichment, our husbandry routine includes keeping a continual record of Castaway's activity. Our volunteers are on shift 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, watching over her activity and faithfully logging everything she does. As a diagnostic tool, these records assist us in determining her patterns of behavior and other information about her.

Audiology testing performed last week has confirmed our suspicions about Castaway's inability to hear. This animal does not respond to auditory stimuli and is considered to be essentially deaf.

This lack of response to sound unfortunately calls her abilty to be released into question. A dolphin basically views the world through sound. Without her hearing, she will be unable to echolocate, the means by which these animals hunt, communicate with their pod mates, find their way, and avoid danger from predators. It is doubtful that Castway could survive a continued life in the wild without this most elemental skill. Although her ultimate disposition has yet to be decided, we are fairly certain that the remainder of her years will find her at home in a

2/19/07:

After a very busy weekend, Castaway now has a much larger area in which to explore as she continues her time with us.

Diagnostic procedures undertaken this weekend included drawing blood samples for further analysis of her physical health. Through updated information on various levels in her blood, our Veterinarians are able to tailor treatments to her specific medical needs. Audiology testing was also performed. Since she joined us, Castaway's lack of response to sound has caused us to wonder if hearing impairment may have played a role in her reaction when release was attempted. When the audiology test results return, this also will provide useful information to guide further treatment.

Following her procedures, Castway was transferred to the Lagoon where she will be much more comfortable for the duration of her stay. A husbandry staff member remained with her at first, then Cassie was given her space. After a few hours, she began to explore and spent time in different locations in the Lagoon. She seems comfortable in her new surroundings, and has made the transition satisfactorily.

Castaway is fascinated with her rub rope, a length of thick marine rope spanning the width of the lagoon, on which she is able to help herself scratch whatever itches and slough off external layers of skin, etc. She spends a good deal of time making use of it.

2/17/07:

Castaway has maintained steadily through the week. Ultrasound clips of her calf will provide us with information on its progress and state of being.

Ultrasound and other diagnostic procedures

2/10/07:

In the past week we have seen a steady improvement in Castaway's behavior, appetite and overall condition. She continues to eat well and most of her gassy symptoms have abated.

Diagnostic procedures are being done to evaluate the full scope of Castaway's condition.

Belly rubs

She also responds very favorably to deep tissue massage and especially likes to have her belly rubbed. We have also discovered that she seems to have a "sweet spot" on her head, responding rapturously when her melon is tickled.

2/2/07:

"Cassie," sustained satisfactorily through the stress of her transport and has responded well during initial time at MMC. Continued rehabilitation is now projected for the duration of her pregnancy and delivery.

November 11, 2006 - January 30, 2007:

Castaway, a 10-foot female Offshore Atlantic Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), stranded on the morning of Veteran's Day. The animal was rescued, stabilized and transported by Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute personnel for rehabilitation to Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. During evaluation of the dolphin's medical condition, she was discovered to be in the third trimester of pregnancy with a live, active fetus. Medical support through her 79 days in rehab yielded continual improvement and the animal was approved for release by NOAA Fisheries Service, the federal agency that regulates such activities. She was transported on January 30 for release at a location close to her original stranding site.

The release attempt proved unsuccessful when the animal immediately restranded. The dolphin was brought to MMC's Key Largo site, where ongoing rehab can be conducted in a large natural bay pen more suitable for a female in late stages of pregnancy.

For more information on Castaway's rehabilitation at Mote Marine Laboratory, click here.

For a complete history of strandings and results, please click here.

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