RESCUE AND REHABILITATION OF ORPHANED FRANCISCANA DOLPHIN (Pontoporia blainvillei) CALVES AND INVESTIGATION OF THEIR CAUSES OF STRANDING IN SAO PAULO COAST, BRAZIL
LOCATION: BRAZIL
Aricia Duarte Benvenuto, DVM, PhD |
Kathleen Colegrove, DVM, PhD, Dip ACVP |
Ashley Barratclough, DVM |
Carlos Sacristan, DVM, PhD |
![Brazil map](https://dolphinquest.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6013/2024/07/Brazil.png?w=1200&zoom=2)
PROJECT SUMMARY
![Aricia_2024_Photocaption1 Aricia Duarte Benvenuto a hand holding a knife](https://dolphinquest.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6013/2024/07/Aricia_2024_Photocaption1-Aricia-Duarte-Benvenuto.jpeg?resize=600%2C800&zoom=2)
Associacao R3 Animal
Franciscana dolphins are a small dolphin species that only lives in waters of South America. By inhabiting coastal areas, they are closely related to human activities, such as fishing and pollution, and as a result they are at risk of extinction. One of the main consequences of this impact is the stranding of sick baby dolphins on beaches of Brazil. A stranding event is when a dolphin needs assistance at the beach, in these cases, the animals are transported to a specialized center to receive veterinary care.
Franciscana dolphins are a small dolphin species that only lives in waters of South America. By inhabiting coastal areas, they are closely related to human activities, such as fishing and pollution, and as a result they are at risk of extinction. One of the main consequences of this impact is the stranding of sick baby dolphins on beaches of Brazil. A stranding event is when a dolphin needs assistance at the beach, in these cases, the animals are transported to a specialized center to receive veterinary care.
![Aricia_2024_Photocaption2 Aricia Duarte Benvenuto a man in a pool](https://dolphinquest.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/6013/2024/07/Aricia_2024_Photocaption2-Aricia-Duarte-Benvenuto.jpg?resize=1200%2C500&zoom=2)
Associacao R3 Animal
Despite having a specific treatment designed by dolphin doctor specialists, all attempts to save these babies continue to be unsuccessful. Thus, the main goal of this study is to investigate why these dolphins are dying and, in addition, why they are separating from their mothers. To answer these questions, researchers will conduct full examinations of live and dead dolphins, including laboratory tests for diseases. This study will help us improve their medical care and guide us in protecting this species from extinction.
Despite having a specific treatment designed by dolphin doctor specialists, all attempts to save these babies continue to be unsuccessful. Thus, the main goal of this study is to investigate why these dolphins are dying and, in addition, why they are separating from their mothers. To answer these questions, researchers will conduct full examinations of live and dead dolphins, including laboratory tests for diseases. This study will help us improve their medical care and guide us in protecting this species from extinction.