CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — A male bottlenose dolphin that was found stranded on Padre Island National Seashore this week is now being monitored at the Texas State Aquarium Wildlife Rescue Center.
The dolphin, which weighs approximately 350 pounds, was discovered Wednesday night on Padre Island National Seashore. Staff and volunteers from the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network transported the dolphin to the Wildlife Rescue Center for further evaluation and treatment. Upon intake, the dolphin appeared to be emaciated and had injuries consistent with shark bites. Rescuers lowered the dolphin into the Wildlife Rescue Center’s largest rehabilitation pool, and after supporting it for a few minutes, the dolphin was able to swim on its own.
Texas State Aquarium and Marine Mammal Stranding Network staff and volunteers are now watching the dolphin 24 hours a day and providing supportive care. The dolphin’s condition is also being evaluated with radiographs, blood work and other diagnostic tests to determine further treatment options.
While rescuers remain hopeful about the dolphin’s future, there is currently no plan for its release or transfer to another facility. More details will be announced as they become available.
