2007 Volume 2 Issue 2 Cajun Rescue Update

Summer
Summer 2007
2007,,Volume
Volume 2,
2, Issue
Issue 2
Inside this issue:
The Little Dolphin That Could...
The Little Dolphin
That Could...
1-2
Stranding News
2-3
Construction
Progress Being
“Made”
3-4
Volunteer Program
Now Underway
4-5
“Environmental
Enrichment”/Mental
Stimulation”
5
Gifts From The Heart
6
because we thought it corresponded well with the area in which he was
Protect Our Dolphin
Fundraiser
6
found, Grand Terre, LA.
Kidz Zone
Insert
Overall, Cajun has been progressing steadily in
Who We Are and
Contact Information
Insert
the rehabilitation process. He now eats about
The dolphin that IMMS rescued on
October 18, 2006 was named Cajun
after we held a naming contest for him
through our local news station and our
website. We had selected this name
that several people had suggested
14-16 pounds of fish a day, split into 4 feeds.
He is eating on his own as we hand feed him
Dr. Connie Chevis and
from the side of the pool. Cajun has a blood sample the IMMS staff obtain a
routine blood sample
taken approximately every 2 weeks so that we can
monitor his health closely. Fortunately, he has
from Cajun’s tail fluke.
been off of medication now for several weeks and is doing well.
Did you know?
•
•
•
Dolphins do not have
vocal cords. They
make all of their
sounds by forcing air
out of their blowhole.
There are 33 species
of dolphins, ranging in
size from the Hector’s Dolphin (4ft) to
the Orca (32ft)
Dolphins generally
swim at speeds of 3-7
mph, but are capable
of “bursts” of up to 1822 mph.
In April, two federal officials from our governing agency, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) a division of NOAA, came to visit
IMMS, see Cajun, and conduct a site inspection. Ms. Blair Mase,
Southeast Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator and Dr.
Ruth Ewing, Veterinary Medical Officer performed a site inspection on
our temporary facility and reviewed the site plans for our new facility
that is under construction. They gave us several helpful suggestions
and ideas to incorporate into the new facility’s plans.
© 2007 Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
(Cont.)
· Page 1 ·
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
(Cont.)
We have introduced Cajun to a variety of enrichment devices (“toys”) in his pool to keep him
stimulated throughout the day. These devices include balls, hula hoops, plastic bats, buoys and
his favorite, a vacuum hose that he enjoys pulling around the pool with him. One weekend we
had a “toy day” in which our volunteers participated. A wide variety of enrichment devices were
made that day. For example, a “kelp bed” was made with PVC pipe and carwash felt strips. At
first he wasn’t quite sure what to do with his “toys”, but after a
few days he started to catch on and inspect them closer. Now he
pushes them around the pool and seems to be very entertained by
them! Keep checking our website for future updates. Thanks to all
who have helped in the rescue and rehabilitation efforts with Cajun!
Stranding News
The IMMS staff have responded to multiple live and dead marine mammal strandings during
the 2007 spring season. Even still, it has not been a very busy year in Mississippi for stranded
dolphins thus far. Though the number of strandings here seems to be approaching our
pre
-hurricane Katrina numbers, it still will likely not be a year with more than 15-18 total strandings on the MS coast. This estimate is calculated from the analysis that we performed on the
historical data collected from strandings in this area since 1987. This analysis showed that
50% of the strandings during any one calendar year occur before the end of April. Spring is
thus the peak season for strandings in our area, and many of these strandings represent deceased neonatal dolphins (newborn calves). This may occur for several reasons, the first being
that survival is challenging for most species of animals living in the wild. Young,
depend-
ent animals represent easy prey for predators, cannot survive on their own if their mother
dies, and may have an immature immune system that may leave them more susceptible to diseases. Also, many dolphins that are first-time mothers give birth to stillborn calves or to
calves that die shortly after birth. The reason for this phenomenon is still unknown.
The number of dead strandings in 2006 was far less than usual, which may have been at least
partially due to the fact that many of the beaches were still closed for post-hurricane
clean
-up for most of that year. The closed beaches resulted in less people around to see the carcasses and report them. Even though IMMS conducts surveys along the Mississippi mainland
and barrier island shores searching for stranded dolphins,
(Cont.)
· Page 2 ·
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
(Cont.)
the majority of the animals we respond to are actually called in by local government officials or
the general public. IMMS responds to live strandings along the eastern Louisiana coastline and
the Alabama coastline, and to live and dead strandings along the Mississippi coastline. Typically, the majority of marine mammals that strand in this area of the Gulf of Mexico are Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Though we have had sporadic live dolphins strand on the Mississippi
Gulf Coast, usually, the animals that strand in Mississippi are already dead. These dead
stranded dolphins are still very valuable for science and research. We collect tissue specimens
and other information on their body condition, size, and location to try to determine the cause
of death of the animals and to study the patterns associated with strandings in this area.
Construction Progress Being “Made”
The construction of the Institute’s new Center for Marine Education and Research is gradually progressing. This facility, located
in the Bernard Bayou Industrial District in Gulfport, Mississippi,
will be the only one in the tri-state region of Mississippi, Alabama,
and Louisiana with the expertise to rescue, house, rehabilitate,
The pool currently being used for
and provide treatment for sick and injured marine mammals. This dolphin rehabilitation.
Center will consist of a small campus of single story buildings
which will house wet and dry labs, a veterinary hospital, a necropsy laboratory, a fish house
(for fish-food storage and preparation), a small museum, an auditorium, and administrative offices. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies will be operating the Center on a grant that
was received from National Marine Fisheries Service for this project.
Anyone with experience in the construction process can appreciate the patience and sometimes
frustration involved in the steps to project completion; especially after a devastating hurricane. Many new regulations and requirements had to be promulgated and met, which resulted in
delays. Though the construction has been steadily progressing, it has been a slow, long road.
However, things should move forward at a faster pace from here on out as we have already
raised the land to the designated elevation, obtained all of the building permits, and ordered
the pre-manufactured buildings which will be used to construct the facility. The largest pool,
approximately 650,000 gallons, is nearly complete and should be functional in the near future.
The other marine mammal rehabilitation pools are pre-constructed and already in our possession. These pools need only to be assembled once the site is excavated for their installment.
(Cont.)
· Page 3 ·
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
(Cont.)
Even as we speak, the concrete foundations for the buildings are in the process of being
poured and we eagerly await the delivery of the pre-constructed buildings, which should arrive
soon. These pre-manufactured buildings have metal frames which will further ensure protection from hurricanes, as they are manufactured to withstand some of the strongest recorded
hurricane force winds. Being that the buildings are already fabricated and only need assembly
upon arrival, the time to completion will go quickly. Our grand opening is now anticipated to be
near the end of 2007 or the beginning of 2008; however our marine mammal rehabilitation center will likely be functional by fall 2007.
A few weeks ago, the IMMS staff had a round table meeting to
finalize the architectural plans and to openly discuss and agree
on the interior décor. The decisions for flooring, carpet, ceiling
design, tiles, wall paint, and countertops were made. Giving the
staff an opportunity to voice their opinion on the décor gives
the project a sense of personal touch and an opportunity for all
The beginning stages of the Center’s
first and largest pool.
to be involved!
Volunteer Program Is Now Under Way
In February 2007, the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies
launched an exciting new volunteer program managed by Emma Jarvis,
our research assistant and volunteer supervisor. It was the perfect
opportunity to obtain the much needed help of individuals who have an
abundance of energy and enthusiasm to contribute, much like our own
staff! We currently have 13 volunteers, most of whom are local, but a
few live as far away as Baton Rouge, LA. and Pensacola, FL. Our volunteers conduct tasks that
are vital to the research and activities here at IMMS. These tasks range from stranding surveys to water tests on the dolphin rehabilitation pool, as well as enrichment development for
Cajun, our current dolphin rehab “patient”. Some of the volunteers participated in our local
community’s “Celebrate the Gulf” festival on March 31st, educating Mississippi Gulf Coast residents on the effects that humans have on wildlife and the environment. They also help to
spread the word about who IMMS is and how we are playing our part in marine conservation
and research. Back at IMMS headquarters, volunteers diligently work hand in hand with staff
to create eye-catching, educational exhibits for the new research facility’s museum.
(Cont.)
· Page 4 ·
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
(Cont.)
As for the future agenda of the IMMS volunteers,
they will be preparing to help out with the upcoming wild
dolphin studies to occur this summer as well as with future responses and rescues for stranded dolphins! If you
or your friends are interested in participating in our volunteer program, please feel free to contact us and receive additional information about upcoming events at
contactus@imms.org.
Volunteers Jenn, Mindy, and Katie assist staff members Emma Jarvis and
Delphine Vanderpool at Celebrate the Gulf in Pass Christian, MS.
IMMS volunteers help to
build a “kelp bed” out of
PVC pipe and car wash
strips.
“Environmental Enrichment”/”Mental Stimulation”
( a toy, no matter how you say it)
Our rescued dolphins are not only in need of medical treatment, but like every other animal,
they need mental stimulation as well. Our enrichment program at IMMS helps to provide this
stimulation. However, much like a young child, a dolphin at play can be rough and destructive,
so toys are constantly being rebuilt or redesigned. If you would like to donate materials that
will be used by our professionals to create new toys for Cajun, and other dolphins like him,
please contact us at (228) 896-9182 for information.
An example of the materials in need are:
•
•
•
•
•
small and large
basketballs
pool vacuum hose
garden hose
hula-hoops
swimming pool
buoys
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
boat bumpers
boogie boards
kick-boards
pool noodles
nylon rope
electrical tape
DUCT TAPE!
· Page 5 ·
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
Gifts From The Heart
Over the past couple of years IMMS has received numerous charitable donations
from generous people like you, but a few of them have really “stood out from the
crowd”. These donations have been from children who chose to receive monetary
contributions for IMMS in lieu of birthday presents on their birthdays. These
altruistic children requested their birthday party guests, friends and relatives to
donate money to IMMS in support of our marine mammal research and conservation efforts. Some of these children did this on more than one occasion. Our
IMMS staff was so touched by these selfless acts that we wanted to do
something special for them. So we have made them all honorary “junior”
volunteers and sent them a small package as a token of our appreciation.
In addition, we would like to recognize these children here in our newsletter:
Noa
Casey
Conroe, TX
Brittany
Montgomery, AL
Kendal
Bothell, WA
On behalf of our entire IMMS staff we would like to express warm and heartfelt
thanks to these children for their selflessness and generosity.
Protect Our Dolphins Fundraiser
Our newest fundraiser allows our supporters to show the world
that they care about dolphins and marine conservation on the Gulf
Coast. We are now offering a unique wristband for a $2.00
donation. These beautifully designed silicone wristbands are blue
and white marble swirl with “Protect our Dolphins” imprinted on the
outside, banked on either side by a dolphin silhouette. Our IMMS
website address is embossed on the inside of the bracelet to remind people where to go if
they wish to learn more about our organization. Please view our website for a current list of
locations where these bracelets can be purchased.
· Page 6 ·
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
F T L O G G E R H E A D N M
S K S T U R G E O N Y O J I
T U E H L M A R I N E L C S
R M I L F X D A O B R P V S
A A R G P T H N N E L H P I
D M W E O U B D G H T I U S
I M A W R S E A L I O N R S
N A V Y T U A V R G E K N I
G L E N R I C H M E N T M P
F U N R I D H A S W K U L P
C O N S E R V A T I O N Y I
Dolphin
Loggerhead
Sea Lion
Sturgeon
Kelp
Stranding
Beach
Wave
Marine
Mammal
Gulfport
Mississippi
Enrichment
Conservation
What’s a dolphin’s
favorite Disney song?
“When You Fish Upon A
Star”
Who we are / Contact information
The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a 501c(3) non-profit organization founded in 1984. It has been a
part of the National Stranding Network since its inception. IMMS is the only marine mammal organization on the
Mississippi-Louisiana-Alabama sub-region of the Gulf Coast that has the capability and expertise to care for sick
and injured marine mammals.
The mission of IMMS is to support innovative and critical research on marine mammals and their environments,
and to better understand the role and responsibility humans have in the management of marine mammals both in
captivity and in the wild. This collaborative effort combines the resources of IMMS along with universities, state
and federal agencies to provide funding for projects that directly impact marine animals. The Institute is dedicated
to the understanding of marine life through research, education, conservation and innovation.
If you see or hear of a marine mammal or other marine species stranded or in need of help please call the hotline
below.
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
INSTITUTE FOR
MARINE MAMMAL STUDIES
P.O. Box 207
Gulfport, MS 39502
,
Summer 2007, Volume 2, Issue 2
Please support our
sponsors; they
support us.
(Nautica International Boats)
Are you interested in
becoming a part of the
foundation of the new
IMMS facility? A
donation will give you the
opportunity to leave your
mark! Please contact us
for details.
The cost of rehabilitating a dolphin can
be as much as $400 a day.
All of the Institute’s efforts require
significant resources. Generous
donations like these greatly help with the
endless needs that arise in tending to sick
and injured marine animals and in
conducting research.
Interested in becoming a sponsor or
making a charitable donation?
Contact us at:
228.896.9182
contactus@imms.org
Visit us online at www.IMMS.org
for membership options.