Whale Web Forums: Dolly the dolphin dies in South Africa

The autopsy carried out to establish the cause of death of Port Elizabeth's 36-year-old dolphin Dolly has revealed no obvious cause of death. Her organs in general were in good shape for an animal of her age.

Samples of organ tissue were taken and preserved to be sent to a veterinary pathologist for more detailed analysis. At this stage, it is believed that her death was from natural causes, and that her advanced age had played a role.

Calf in a stable condition
Currently Dumisa, Dolly's calf, is in a stable condition. She is successfully being tubed and has been fed approximately 750g of fish per day. Bayworld now has only two dolphins remaining, inadequate in number and composition to provide for the continuation of a viable dolphin programme.

The appointment of a specialist scientist to reposition Bayworld's Marine Mammal research department is imminent and his or her brief will include participation in the development of the management plan to re-establish a sustainable dolphin programme at the oceanarium.

http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,98946,00.html

Picture of Dolly here: http://www.sabcnews.com/south_africa/general/0,2172,98746,00.html

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~ Kim