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Tim Binder, Mystic Aquarium: "A dolphin calf learns from his mother how to hunt for food, because he was stranded before he was fully weaned it has to be assumed he doesn't have the learned behavior necessary to survive." Instead of risking a release officials decided to bring Stormy here to Mystic. First by plane from Texas and then by truck from Philadelphia. He was suspended in a special stretcher the whole way! Eric Gaglione, Marine Mammal Curator: "The animal's in water, his body weight is supported. It's comfortable... He moved a lot. I was impressed with the amount of energy he had." Incredible considering what this young dolphin has been through. Separated from his mother during Tropical Storm Frances he was attacked by sharks and washed up on a Texas beach. Since he was rescued he's made steady progress. Dr. Larry Dunn, Staff Veterinarian: "We've been following the healing on those wounds since day one and it just shows you the ability the creatures have to heal themselves pretty amazing."
Binder: "He's a strong healthy animal, we're very confident he'll do well, he looks good, he's nice and limber that's what we want to see."
For the next 30 days Stormy will be kept by himself in the pool away from the other dolphins as a precaution. If he does well he'll be introduced in a month to 'Nina' and 'Misty', and begin to socialize and train.
Until that happens visitors will have to make do with seeing him on video monitors set up in the main building.
©1999 WTNH/WTNH-DT |
Injured Dolphin Finds New Home at Mystic Aquarium
It took a huge amount of effort but Mystic Aquarium has a new resident: a 2-year-old bottle nose dolphin named 'Stormy' who was separated from his mother 5 months ago.
In fact apart from repairing Stormy's torn dorsal fin vets here expect to simply work on the dolphin's behavior. he'll have to get used to new surroundings and eventually to other dolphins. they're sure though this tough little dolphin will fit-in just fine!