Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Gulf World Marine Park responded to a marine mammal stranding report made at 6:15 a.m. Tuesday on Santa Rosa Beach in the Gulf Shore Drive proximity.
Amanda Wilkerson, Executive Director of Emerald Coast Wildlife Refuge and Dr. Lydia Staggs, D.V.M of Gulfworld Marine Park were first to arrive on scene and were later joined by Brittany Pattrick, Wildlife Health Technician and Deb Edwards of ECWR along with several key personnel from Gulf World Marine Park to assist with the stranding.
Wilkerson reported that with the joint effort of both organizations, the team was able to maneuver the male Short-finned Pilot Whale from the turbulent surf into a more stable and comfortable position.
See more photos of the pilot whale. >>
From there, the marine mammal underwent a thorough examination, which including blood work. Upon assessment of the blood work-up, the veterinarian on scene and NOAA Fisheries decided the best course of action would be to humanely euthanize the marine mammal. A necropsy will be performed to further analyze details surrounding the incident.
“It never becomes less heart wrenching to see it end this way, but I’m glad to have received the report from concerned residents who were knowledgeable on handling the situation” said Wilkerson. “They called professionals immediately, and most importantly – did not try to move the animal into deeper water. More times than not – strandings are related to sickness or injury impairing the animal’s ability to swim; moving them back into the water will almost always end disastrously.”