VIDEOS: SeaWorld Caring for Rescued Melon-Headed Whale

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team is rehabilitating a rescued melon-headed whale that was found stranded on the west coast of Florida. The 320 pound, 8 and a half foot adult male melon-headed whale was rescued by the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission (FWC) on October 13 and transported to SeaWorld Orlando. Upon arrival, he was placed in a quarantine rehabilitation pool where veterinarians provided fluids and antibiotics.  

Over the last three weeks, the Animal Rescue and Veterinary Teams have monitored him round-the-clock tracking his vitals, appetite, and swimming activity. Based on those tests, the whale is facing a lot of challenges, including a likely case of pneumonia, but the teams are working day and night to give him the best chance for a successful rehabilitation.

Although he is still in critical condition, the Animal Rescue and Veterinary Teams are working toward the ultimate goal of returning him back to the wild. The next step in his rehabilitation is a hearing test conducted by SeaWorld zoological experts and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hearing specialists to ensure that hearing loss was not the cause of the stranding.

While melon-headed whales are found widespread throughout the world’s tropical waters, they are not often seen as they are a pelagic, deep water, species.

SeaWorld Orlando’s Animal Rescue Team is on call 24/7 to save and care for injured, orphaned or ill animals. In collaboration with the government and other members of accredited stranding networks, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment operates one of the world’s most respected programs to rescue ill and injured marine animals, with the goal to rehabilitate and return to the ocean. SeaWorld animal experts have helped more than 31,000 animals in need - ill, injured, orphaned and abandoned - for more than five decades.

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