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Aug 02, 2005
Risso's dolphins beached at Caxambas
On Saturday, July 16 five Risso's dolphins, originally mistakenly identified as Pilot whales, were found stranded near Caxambas Pass. Only two of the dolphins, named Bonnie and Clyde, survived and were transported to the Mote Marine Laboratories in Sarasota.
"Members of Friends of Tigertail (FOT), residents of the Caxambas Park area and Marco Fire and Rescue Department attended to the two living dolphins until Collier County environmental Services, Florida Fish and Wildlife, and the Mote arrived," said Cindy Daly, FOT member.
Mote Marine Laboratory's Dolphin and Whale Hospital provides state-of-the-art critical care and chronic care for stranded dolphins and whales. The hospital attempts to rehabilitate these animals and return them to the wild while their staff seeks to learn information that will expand their knowledge of the basic biology, the veterinary care and the disease processes of these mammals.
While the dolphins are under their care, the Mote issues status reports. By Sunday, July 17 both dolphins were swimming within one hour of arrival at the hospital. Both had been given fluids and had been started on antibiotics. Bonnie's blood work did not look too
According to the American Cetacean Society, whales, dolphins, and porpoises all belong to a single group of marine mammals called the cetaceans. A cetacean is defined as "being the order of placental mammals having no hind limbs and a blowhole for breathing." The word is pronounced see-tay-shun and comes from the Latin "cetus" and the ancient Greek "ketos" which mean a sea monster. The Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) is the only species of dolphin in the genus Grampus.
This large dolphin has a large, curved dorsal fin, much like that of a young or female Orca (killer whale). Both the fin and the long, thin flippers come to a point. Risso's dolphins have a circular shaped body with no beak and a blunt or more rounded head, similar to Pilot whales with which they are often confused. They have an unusual external vertical crease in the melon (the organ in the rounded head used to direct sonar clicks) that runs from the front of the forehead to the mouth.
They have up to seven pairs of teeth in the front of their lower jaw and none in the upper jaw. Male Risso's dolphins are larger than the females and can grow to 10 to 12.5 feet and weigh from 650 to 1,100 pounds. It is estimated they live from 20 to 40 years.
The main body color is variable, from dark grey in young animals to almost white in mature adults. The underside of this animal has a white, anchor-shaped patch. Older animals are usually heavily scarred from confrontations with other Risso's or with squid. Their social behavior, described as rough and obviously physical, includes slapping, splashing, and sometimes striking one another. The head profile is almost square, somewhat like a Sperm Whale, and the flippers are long and tapering. Risso's will form moderately sized groups from 10 to 50, will mix with other dolphins, and eat mainly squid and fish. They are found worldwide in temperate and tropical waters, usually in deep waters rather than close to land. Between 1888 and 1912, Pelorus Jack became a famous Risso's dolphin by patrolling the Cook Strait, welcoming sailors to New Zealand.
Mote scientists speculated that the stranded dolphins might have become disoriented from recent Hurricane Dennis, or from red tide exposure.
The migration of these dolphins is not known, although this species has been seen moving into cooler waters during the more productive summer months, possibly in search for food. Risso's dolphins may also migrate regionally when environmental conditions change, in search for warmer waters or more prey.
Rescue organizations advise, if you find a live stranded or injured whale or dolphin on the beach you should send for help quickly. A whale or dolphin stranding is an emergency and the speed of response by a professional rescue team is perhaps the most crucial factor in determining whether or not an animal can be returned to the sea.
Telephone for help as soon as possible, making sure to give an accurate location and description of the animal. Call Florida Wildlife Research Institute - 1 - 888 - 404 - FWCC (3922) or cell phone users call *FWC or #FWC.
Meanwhile, return to the scene and wait for help to arrive. Try to keep dogs and members of the public at a distance to avoid any further stress to the animal. If you can find adequate help, gently roll the animal over onto its front and keep its skin wet by dousing with seawater. Do not pull the animal by its fins or tail and be very careful not to get water down the blowhole when dousing. Also, be extremely careful of the teeth and tail. Do not put yourself at risk. Whales and dolphins are powerful animals and they can carry diseases that are transferable to humans. If in doubt, wait for help.
If you find a dead whale or dolphin, however, (in any condition) secure the carcass if possible above the high water mark; make exact notes on its location with reference to maps or local features, and contact the appropriate local authorities with details.
Carol Glassman
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