Juan.Camaney
07-28-2009, 05:47 PM
Dolphin euthanized after being attacked by sharks | 10connects.com | Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater (http://www.wtsp.com/news/local/story.aspx?storyid=110419&catid=8)
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - An Atlantic bottlenose dolphin was euthanized after being attacked by sharks just hours after he was released into the ocean in west Florida.
Dunham, a juvenile male dolphin, was released Tuesday morning after eight months in rehab recovering from pneumonia.
Jeni Hatter, spokeswoman for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, said the dolphin was attacked twice by at least two different sharks. Hatter said experts who were nearby were monitoring the dolphin with a VHF radio transmitter at the time of the attack.
Hatter said experts rushed to the dolphin and euthanized him because of the life-threatening injuries. She added that he wouldn't have been able to recover.
Here's the information we received from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
There has been an incident regarding Dunham, the dolphin who was released this morning. Several hours after being released, he was attacked by sharks and after determining the extent of his injuries, veterinarians humanely euthanized Dunham to reduce his suffering. His injuries were so extensive that he would not have survived. Heroic efforts were taken to support him in the water after the attack, but his injuries were so severe that he would not have survived.
"It is a very sad day for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Gulf World Marine Park and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute," said Clearwater Marine Aquarium CEO David Yates. "Animal care staff worked tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release this animal, but when nature takes over, it is out of anyone's control."
Dunham was originally found December 2008 emaciated with several superficial abrasions. He weighed 245 pounds and is estimated to be about 6-9 years old. CMA provided immediate medical attention, including antibiotic injections, fluids and supported him in a triage pool at overnight, before he was transported to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City. Dunham suffered from pneumonia and severe gastritis. He went through seven months of rehabilitation.
Why do we keep wasting money doing this?
Why do these types of people feel it is their job to take in a sick animal and nurture it back to health? These animals aren't endangered. These animals are common sea mamals. Sure, they are smart, and fun to look at on TV, but WHY if so many people are going without food or water or health care do we think its necessary to interfere with nature and save ONE fish?
At least the sharks got a good healthy meal.
CLEARWATER, Fla. (AP) - An Atlantic bottlenose dolphin was euthanized after being attacked by sharks just hours after he was released into the ocean in west Florida.
Dunham, a juvenile male dolphin, was released Tuesday morning after eight months in rehab recovering from pneumonia.
Jeni Hatter, spokeswoman for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, said the dolphin was attacked twice by at least two different sharks. Hatter said experts who were nearby were monitoring the dolphin with a VHF radio transmitter at the time of the attack.
Hatter said experts rushed to the dolphin and euthanized him because of the life-threatening injuries. She added that he wouldn't have been able to recover.
Here's the information we received from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium:
There has been an incident regarding Dunham, the dolphin who was released this morning. Several hours after being released, he was attacked by sharks and after determining the extent of his injuries, veterinarians humanely euthanized Dunham to reduce his suffering. His injuries were so extensive that he would not have survived. Heroic efforts were taken to support him in the water after the attack, but his injuries were so severe that he would not have survived.
"It is a very sad day for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, Gulf World Marine Park and Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute," said Clearwater Marine Aquarium CEO David Yates. "Animal care staff worked tirelessly to rescue, rehabilitate and release this animal, but when nature takes over, it is out of anyone's control."
Dunham was originally found December 2008 emaciated with several superficial abrasions. He weighed 245 pounds and is estimated to be about 6-9 years old. CMA provided immediate medical attention, including antibiotic injections, fluids and supported him in a triage pool at overnight, before he was transported to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City. Dunham suffered from pneumonia and severe gastritis. He went through seven months of rehabilitation.
Why do we keep wasting money doing this?
Why do these types of people feel it is their job to take in a sick animal and nurture it back to health? These animals aren't endangered. These animals are common sea mamals. Sure, they are smart, and fun to look at on TV, but WHY if so many people are going without food or water or health care do we think its necessary to interfere with nature and save ONE fish?
At least the sharks got a good healthy meal.