A Winter’s Tail (or lack, thereof)

Winter, the year-old dolphin at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Florida, is missing her tail! The young bottlenosed dolphin lost her tail and joint when she was caught in a crab trap when she was just a baby. But the lack of a tail hasn’t slowed her down. She’s learned to swim without it and seems to be happy as a clam.

A specialist is working on a prosthetic tail for Winter. I think Winter needs to meet Fuji.

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Farewell, River Dolphin…

A freshwater dolphin found only in China known as the river dolphin is most likely extinct, according to a team of scientists.

The researchers failed to spot any of the dolphins, also known as baijis, during an extensive six-week survey of the mammals’ habitat.

If confirmed, it would be the first extinction of a large vertebrate for over 50 years. Swim to the light, river dolphin.

Thanks Kenny!

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Pink Dolphin Spotted in Louisiana

A rare “pink dolphin” was spotted on June 24th during a charter fishing trip on Calcasieu Lake south of Lake Charles, LA.

See more pics of pinky here.

Thanks Dori.

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Five Dead Dolphins Wash Ashore… With Bullet Wounds

Federal officials are investigating the death of 5 dolphins that washed ashore in San Diego with bullet wounds. The dolphins were discovered a couple weeks ago between Carlsbad State Beach and Oceanside Harbor. Up to $2,500 is being offered for information on the deaths. If caught, the perp could face civil penalties of up to $12,000 or a criminal fine of up to $20,000, as well as jail time.

Harassing or killing dolphins is a violation of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972.

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Don’t Feed the Dolphins

Thanks Jason

Two Men Arrested for Harassing Dolphin

Two men were arrested Saturday on suspicion of harassing a dolphin known locally as “Dave” off the Kent coast in southeast England, police said.

Officers arrested the men, aged 25 and 26, at dawn after numerous emergency calls from the public that the animal was being harassed.

The dolphin has become a local tourist attraction over the past year after making his home in the waters off the Sandgate shore. But it has also attracted unwelcome attention from jet skiers and sailors, prompting Kent Police’s Maritime Unit to warn offenders they face fines and even prison.

Kent Police Inspector Gavin Roy said people should not try to touch the animal or get within 100 yards of it.

Don’t worry, I won’t get anywhere near it.

Thanks Dori

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He Really Does Heart Dolphins

Here’s Nick Carter at the press conference for The Year of the Dolphin which he was just appointed Special Ambassador. Carter told Usmagazine.com: “People like Bono, Angelina Jolie, and Nicole Kidman have inspired me to put my celebrity to good use.”

And as US says… “If there’s anything the ladies love more than the Backstreet Boys, it’s do-gooders and dolphins.”

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Nick Carter Hearts Dolphins

Nick Carter was just appointed Special Ambassador of The Year of the Dolphin.

As the future messenger for dolphin conservation, Nick plans to raise public awareness and take action to protect dolphins and their habitats.

His first project is (you guessed it) a very special song and video for dolphins. Can’t wait…

Thanks Michael K

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Happy Birthday Nellie!

The world’s oldest bottlenose dolphin born in captivity celebrated her 54th birthday yesterday. Nellie squirted out a candle on top of an ice and fish birthday cake at Marineland in St. Augustine, FL. Then she leaped into the air in front of a crowd of children and parents who gathered around her tank for the celebration. And Nellie is still kickin’. According to experts, she’s got the energy of a dolphin in its 20s. Nellie has appeared in a Timex commercial and a Benji movie. Here’s Nellie on her 25th birthday:

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Dolphin Dying of a Broken Heart?

A dolphins’ trainer who was the victim of a frenzied attack by her neighbour, has died — and the dolphin, apparently, is dying of a broken heart. Tamara Monti, 37, was stabbed to death in her apartment in Riccione, Italy by Alessandro Doto, 35, who lived next door. He told police that he had been driven mad by the incessant barking of Ms Monti’s two dogs. Yesterday, employees at the water park said that they had lost not only “a marvellous trainer” but were also in danger of losing Mary G, the dolphin that Ms. Monti had saved and cared for after it was found injured two years ago. Mary G is refusing to eat and has lost 110lbs since Ms Monti’s murder.

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