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News update 24.10.07
We are delighted to report that vets and medics from BDMLR have been successful in administering anti-biotics to the dolphin and it is hoped this will decrease the chance of any infection from her injury. However, we are urging people to please respect that she is injured and as the wound is very exposed she is very vulnerable to infection, therefore we ask everyone to leave her in peace to recover and watch her from the beach.
'Friendly' dolphin sustains another injury
The solitary female bottlenose dolphin known as 'Dave' has had a significant part of her tail fluke cut off, possibly by a boat propeller and also some superficial injury to her dorsal fin.
The dolphin has become a local celebrity due to her willingness to interact with swimmers and boat-users and this serious injury comes despite previous warnings from animal welfare and rescue groups that this increasingly friendly dolphin was at high risk accident and especially propeller strike. Veterinary opinion indicates that the next few days will be crucial and even if she survives, Dave's tail will never grow back again.
Margaux Dodds, Director & Co-founder of Marine Connection said; "This is one of the worst injuries I have seen to a solitary dolphin and could prove fatal should she contract septicaemia. For this reason we urge people, especially at this time, to respect her situation and keep their distance as she must be in more than some pain and discomfort and we are extremely concerned for her future welfare."
Medics and vets are currently on hand assessing the extent of her injuries and what can be done to assist the animal.
The Marine Connection have joined other organisations involved in the protection of cetaceans including British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society calling for boat-users and swimmers to stay away from Dave and highlighting the risk to her, whilst also trying to persuade people not to tame her because of the increasing risk to her future welfare.
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