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Dolphin & Whale HospitalandSea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospitalat Mote Marine Laboratory |
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Animal Care News |
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Dec. 22, 2001 |
Volume 2, Issue 4 |
| Inside this issue . . . |
| Ami Extends World Record |
| Animal Care Staff Busy |
| Sea Turtle Rehab News |
| Sea Turtle Care Notes |
| Hugh and Buffett |
| Stranding Investigations |
| Click here for past newsletters |
The first Animal Handler Class for volunteers for 2002 is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, February 1-2. This class is required for anyone who would like to volunteer with animals at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital and Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital. The class is taught by Mote scientists and staff, and covers topics such as dolphin and sea turtle anatomy and physiology, safe animal handling techniques, volunteer procedures and beach rescue.
Cost for the class is $50.00, and the fee covers teaching materials, Animal Care Handbook, and a tee shirt. For more information, contact Lisa Duffy (duffy@mote.org).
2002 Calendars Available from Animal Care Program
Calendars depicting many of the animals on display and others undergoing rehabilitation at Mote are available to support the work of the Animal Care Program. These calendars are available for only $10 each from any Animal Care Staff and proceeds can be designated for the Manatee Care Department, Sea Turtle Care Department, Dolphin and Whale Hospital, or the Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Hospital.
Birthday Party planned for Ami, Jan. 18-21
There are plans being made for a birthday celebration to take place for Ami, the pygmy sperm whale that will have been at the Dolphin and Whale Hospital for a full year on January 21. Plans include special activities for kids, controlled admission of Mote Aquarium visitors to see Ami in the Medical Tank, media events, and other happenings. Volunteers will have the opportunity to talk to the public about their experiences with Ami over the last year.
Ami Extends World Record at DWH
In addition to all of the obvious work that has taken place with regards to Ami, many rehab sea turtles, Hugh and Buffett, and the display turtles, the Animal Care Staff have been busy presenting the results of their work. Following is a list of the publications, presentations, and posters they have been involved with in the past 12 months (AC Staff in bold):
Peer Reviewed Publications and Journal Articles
Colbert, D.E., W. Fellner, G.B. Bauer, C.A. Manire, and H.L. Rhinehart. 2001. Husbandry and research training of two Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). Aquatic Mammals 27:16-23.
Manire, C.A., H.L. Rhinehart, G.J. Pennick, D.A. Sutton, and M.G. Rinaldi. Plasma and tissue concentrations of itraconazole in the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi. Submitted to Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
Manire, C.A., L. Byrd, H.L. Rhinehart, P. Cunningham-Smith, and D.R. Smith. Subacute atropine toxicity in a pygmy sperm whale, Kogia breviceps. Submitted to Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
Presentations at Workshops and Professional Meetings
Baird, C.L., P. Cunningham-Smith, D.R. Smith, H.L. Rhinehart, and C.A. Manire. Development of a milk replacement formula for an orphaned pygmy sperm whale calf. The 29th Conference of the International Association of Marine Animal Trainers, Albuquerque, NM, November 2001.
Colbert, D.E., G.B. Bauer, W. Fellner, J.C. Gaspard, and B. Littlefield. Underwater visual acuity of Florida manatees (Trichechus manatus latirostris). The 14th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, December, 2001.
Colbert, D.E., B. Littlefield, J. Gaspard, S. Barker, B. Kirkpatrick, M. Mauntler, E. Metz, and J. Remon. Using trained West Indian manatees and live videoconferencing technology to develop an interactive educational curriculum. The 29th Annual International Marine Animal Trainers Association Conference, Albuquerque, NM, November, 2001.
Cunningham-Smith, P., Nutrition and food preparation for cetaceans undergoing rehabilitation. Workshop on Rehabilitation and Medicine of Cetaceans, Taipei Zoo, Taipei, Taiwan, May 27-28, 2001.
Cunningham-Smith, P., Animal care and husbandry at Mote Marine Laboratory Dolphin and Whale Hospital. Workshop on Rehabilitation and Medicine of Cetaceans, National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium, Kenting, Taiwan, May 30-31, 2001.
Cunningham-Smith, P., D.R. Smith, H.L. Rhinehart, and C.A. Manire. Using operant conditioning techniques to raise an orphaned pygmy sperm whale calf (Kogia breviceps). The 29th Conference of the International Association of Marine Animal Trainers, Albuquerque NM, November 2001.
Foote, J.J., C.A. Manire, T.L. Mueller, H.L. Rhinehart, and R. Meisner. Evidence of gastrointestinal inflammation in wild loggerhead sea turtles. Sea Turtle Symposium, Philadelphia, PA. Feb 24-28, 2001.
Kirkpatrick, B., D. Colbert, E.A.C. Newton, and C. Manire. The Measurement of Respiratory Volumes and Flows on Two Captive West Indian Manatees (Trichechus manatus). The International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine, St. Petersburg, FL, April 28-May 2, 2001.
Manire, C.A., H.L. Rhinehart, G.J. Pennick, and M.G. Rinaldi. Plasma and tissue concentrations of itraconazole in the Kemp's ridley sea turtle, Lepidochelys kempi. The 32nd annual International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine conference, Tampa, FL. April 28-May 2, 2001, p. 167.
Manire, C.A. Veterinary Medical Care of Marine Animals. Suncoast Society of Vascular Technology. Sarasota, FL. Oct. 20, 2001.
Rhinehart, H.L., C.A. Manire, and L. Byrd. Use of neupogen in a green sea turtle, (Chelonia mydas). Sea Turtle Workshop, Marathon, FL, Dec. 1-2, 2001.
Presentations and Publications in Collaboration with Other Programs At Mote
Cunningham-Smith, P., D.E. Colbert, R.S. Wells, and T. Speakman. Human interactions with wild Atlantic bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) near Sarasota Bay, Florida. Viewing Marine Mammals in the Wild (NMFS workshop), 14th Biennial Conference on the Biology of Marine Mammals, Vancouver, B.C., Canada, November 2001. (In conjunction with the Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research).
Jacks, A.R., Historical trends in sea turtle nesting activity in Sarasota County, Florida: 1980-1998. Sea Turtle Symposium, Philadelphia, PA Feb 24-28, 2001. (In conjunction with The Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research).
Gelsleichter, J., B.G. Steinetz, C.A. Manire, and C. Ange. Serum relaxin concentrations and reproduction in male bonnethead sharks, Sphyrna tiburo. Submitted to General and Comparative Endocrinology. (In conjunction with the Center for Shark Research).
Manire, C.A., J. Gelsleichter, L.E.L. Rasmussen, and E. Cortes. Infertility observed in wild bonnethead sharks, Sphyrna tiburo, may be due to anthropogenic effects. The 32nd annual International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine conference, Tampa, FL. April 28-May 2, 2001, pp.4-5. (In conjunction with the Center for Shark Research).
Manire, C., R. Hueter, E. Hull, and R. Spieler. 2001. Serological changes associated with gill-net capture and restraint in three species of sharks. Transactions of the American Fisheries Society 130:1038-1048. (In conjunction with the Center for Shark Research).
Manire, C., J. Gelsleichter, L.E.L. Rasmussen, and E. Cortes. Infertility in bonnethead sharks, Sphyrna tiburo, in the eastern Gulf of Mexico may be caused by endocrine disrupting chemicals in the environment. American Elasmobranch Society Meeting, State College, PA, July 5-10, 2001. p. 92. (In conjunction with the Center for Shark Research).
Nichols, S.M., J. Gelsleichter, and C.A. Manire. Calcitonin: potential roles in the bonnethead shark, Sphyrna tiburo. American Elasmobranch Society Meeting, State College, PA, July 5-10, 2001. p.102. (In conjunction with the Center for Shark Research).
Tyminski, J.P., C.A. Simpfendorfer, C.A. Manire, and R.E. Hueter. Growth rates of bonnethead sharks, Sphyrna tiburo, from the west coast of Florida estimated from tag-recapture data. American Elasmobranch Society Meeting, State College, PA, July 5-10, 2001. p. 131. (In conjunction with the Center for Shark Research). (Back to Top)
Most of the remaining sea turtles in rehabilitation have now been released, just in time for more to arrive. Spot, a Kemp's ridley that had been recovered from off Longboat Key last winter was released on November 1 in Gullivan Bay near Marco Island. Turtle L, a loggerhead that had originally stranded near Panama City, Florida last winter was also released in Gullivan Bay on November 30. At the same time, Turtle X, the green sea turtle that had been crushed with multiple fractures of both carapace and plastron as well as two flippers was released, much to the amazement of everyone who saw the turtle when it first arrived last March. A manuscript is already in preparation regarding the treatment of Turtle X with an experimental drug for an absence of white blood cells. This leaves Ti and Turtle T still in rehabilitation.
Then, as if on cue, five more sea turtles arrived from the New England Aquarium on December 19. The four Kemp's ridleys and one green were all cold-stunned in Cape Cod Bay. The New England Aquarium was being overwhelmed by turtles and asked if STRH would be willing to take some of them. So far, most are doing well and eating some, but there are a few infections and all are on antibiotics. There are photos on their web page. (Back to Top)
Another busy sea turtle nesting and hatching season has ended. After adding up stacks of hatchling data forms, we found that 615 loggerhead hatchlings were successfully rehabilitated and released from the Hatchling Hospital this season. We estimated an almost 89% success rate for hatchlings! Thanks to all of you who brought them in, cared for them, and released them- that makes 615 hatchlings that might not have made it otherwise!
For those interested in more numbers, the preliminary data is in for the 2001 nesting season as well. On the five beaches patrolled by Mote volunteers and staff, there were 1,398 nests recorded. There were many nests lost in storms, but there were a total of 32,228 hatchlings that emerged from the nests that were left. All in all, it was a busy season and we thank all the people who spent time walking the beaches and helping out when it was needed.
Besides a long, on-going game of "Musical Tanks" downstairs, all the turtles are doing well in the Sea Turtle Exhibit. They have been enjoying new enrichment devices made by some of the volunteers and we look forward to more. We continue to have a slight fungus problem with Shelley and Montego, but have kept it under control with frequent scrubbing. We are hoping to be able to release Maui next year- he continues to grow and do well and should be the right size next summer. Hang Tough is progressing with her training and is also enjoying some new enrichment items. And Edgar is her usual feisty self. Many thanks to all of the sea turtle volunteers that have helped (and will hopefully continue to help) with exams, scrubbings, and general care of these animals- I hope we have a great 2002! (Back to Top)
Have you been fortunate enough to witness Hugh and Buffett participating in their Visual Acuity project recently? Many of the docents have been able to show the public exactly how our manatees take an eye examination because we are finishing the final portion of this study but several more trials need to be completed in the brightest light condition (and at this time of year-that means after 10:00 a.m.). The Manatee Care Department would like to thank those docents who have so generously taken the time to enhance what the public is seeing during the project with the new Manatee Research exhibit. If you haven't had the opportunity to see the testing from the downstairs viewing windows yet, these sessions will continue through February. Once completed, the manatees will resume training for the vibrissae (facial whiskers) tactile discrimination task at their normally scheduled time.
You may be surprised to know that Hugh & Buffett have a guest residing in their tank! On Friday, December 21, 2001, a rehabilitating Kemp's ridley sea turtle named "T" was moved into the back med-tank portion of the manatee exhibit. "T" was a cold stressed animal, now awaiting release in warmer weather. The turtle used the larger area to swim in and the new mesh gate catches all the lettuce pieces, easing the manatees' feeding technique (as if Buffett needed LESS exercise). "T" and the manatees will remain separated by this gate until it is felt the two species have adjusted to each other, at which time the gate will be removed and "T" will have full access of the exhibit. ( Back to Top)
During September-November 2001, MMSIP staff were busy with responses to manatee verifications and dolphin strandings. During this period, we responded to 8 calls of dolphin strandings (6 verified, 2 unverified) and several manatee-related calls, as animals were still in the area due to the warm weather conditions. Two well-known animals ("Victoria" and "Manx"), recognized by their disfiguring injuries and scars, were seen in Lido and Longboat Keys, and Cortez Bridge, prompting callers to report their sightings. "Victoria" was seen in a canal near St. Armands Circle, with two small calves, the same general area she has frequented on several occasions in the past few years (a testimony of their site fidelity). Two manatee deaths, caused by collision with watercraft, were also reported for Sarasota County during this period. On a lighter note, we are delighted to report that the improvements in our necropsy facilities are nearly complete. The improved conditions will set the stage for better performance in future necropsies, which we hope to invite others to participate.
A summary of the dolphin strandings is presented below.
1) MML-0114 - This dolphin was a known animal from the Sarasota Bay population. She was found dead floating on Sarasota Bay on September 13th, and was brought to the Lab for subsequent examination. Upon necropsy, several broken ribs on her right side were found, possibly a result of a boat collision or aggressive interactions with other dolphins. Several tissues were collected and submitted for histopathology. The autolysis resulting from the advanced state of decomposition of the carcass impaired a conclusive interpretation of the tissues submitted. However, given the lack of significant histologic lesions, death was tentatively attributed to the traumatic injuries she suffered. Further examination of the post-cranial skeleton also revealed healed and healing ribs. Sadly, this animal was also carrying a small fetus.
2) MML-0115 - On October 2nd, we received a report of a small, fresh dolphin stranded in a canal near downtown Bradenton, on Manatee River. This animal was a 147 cm long female, with partially erupted teeth. Necropsy results indicated that both lungs appeared congested (bilateral pneumonia), with moderate infestation of lungworms, but the other organs looked grossly unremarkable. Fish remains and vegetation were found in the stomach, together with curdled milk, suggesting that dolphin was not completely weaned from its mother.
3) MML-0116 - This dolphin, a 256-cm long female, was found floating on Anna Maria Sound, near Cortez Bridge. Coincidences of all, this animal eventually drifted to behind the residence of Ron Therrien, a volunteer at Mote's Dolphin & Whale Hospital. Ron was helpful in securing the animal, and seeing that it was subsequently towed to the lab for necropsy. Most of the internal organs of this dolphin, a mature female, were severely autolyzed. No parasites were noted, and the stomach was partially full of pinfish and jacks. The cause of death could not be determined.
4) MML-0117 - This animal stranded on the Gulf side of Longboat Key on November 15th. This was an immature male, 201 cm long, and in a moderate state of decomposition. Necropsy results indicated that the liver was congested and pneumonia was evidenced in its left lung.
5) MML-0118 - In addition to MML-0117, we received another call of a stranded dolphin on November 15th, also on the Gulf side of Longboat Key. Due to the storms and surge, this animal could not be located until the following day. This was a mature, 254 cm long female, in advanced stage of decomposition. Most internal organs were severely autolyzed. A few lungworms were found in the left lung. The cause of death could not be determined.
6) MML-0119 - A small (4-5 ft) dolphin was reported floating in Stump Pass, Englewood (Charlotte County) on December 1st. This animal was surrounded by other dolphins, which later took the carcass offshore through the pass. This animal was could not be recovered for further examination.
7) MML-0120 - A floating dead dolphin was reported in the waters offshore of Venice, some 14 miles from Venice Inlet. The carcass had apparently been substantially scavenged by sharks, but was not brought to shore for subsequent examination.
8) MML-0121 - This baby (110 cm long) dolphin was delivered to us frozen by James Evans, a biologist with the City of Sanibel. Necropsy was scheduled for December 17th. This dolphin had a visible vertebral malformation (scoliosis), and a small necrotic wound (of unknown origin) on his left side. In addition to external photographs and X rays (courtesy of Dr. Fred Leinenger), the entire skeleton was saved for further studies. Except for a very mild infestation of lungworms, all other organs appeared unremarkable. Although poorly known, vertebral malformations in wild dolphins have been attributed to blunt trauma, congenital malformations or result from contaminants. (Back to top)
Click HERE for a printable version of this newsletter.
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