At only two months old, this baby dolphin will, in all probability, never see the ocean again. Recently found stranded on New Smyrna Beach, Florida, he was transported to SeaWorld’s Hubbs facility. His mother was nowhere to be seen.
The male calf is receiving round-the-clock care but remains in critical condition. Even if rehabilitation is successful, releasing such a young dolphin is extremely difficult. Calves rescued without their mothers often lack crucial survival skills needed to live independently in the wild.
Over the years, many dolphins in similar situations have been deemed non-releasable and end up living in captivity, where they often become part of breeding programs.
Photo Credit: Volusia Beach Safety
