Community Corner

Mote Transfers Stranded Whale to SeaWorld

On Oct. 23, Mote Marine took in the melon-headed whale after it was stranded on Manasota Key.

Mote’s emergency medical team has succeeded in stabilizing the melon-headed whale being treated at Mote Marine Laboratory’s Dolphin and Whale Hospital .

Mote staff and volunteers provided medical care and support for the whale during the most critical time period following its Oct. 23 stranding. The whale, nicknamed Dante by Mote staff, received around-the-clock medical care at Mote, which stabilized its condition and allowed veterinarians to begin treating the animal for pneumonia and gastroenteritis, the release said.

Now that Dante is stabilized — and with the approval of the federal agency that oversees the care and protection of marine mammals — Dante has been transferred to SeaWorld Orlando, which has larger facilities required to support Dante’s need for longer-term rehabilitation. 

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“We are glad that Mote’s critical-care facilities were available to treat this gravely ill animal,” said Dr. John Reynolds, director of Mote’s Center for Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Research in the news release. “Dante has a long road of rehabilitation ahead. It is great that Mote can continue to play a role as part of a regional network to offer experienced and effective assistance for sick or injured whales, dolphins and sea turtles. The Mote hospital staff, and indeed everyone at Mote, wishes Dante a speedy return to health.”

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