Why not to feed wild dolphins!

The Whyalla dolphins have been fed for several years by local boaties on their return to the marina and these animals are losing the ability to fend for themselves and to remain as vigilant as they need to be in the wild in order to survive; two animals in particular have become more susceptible to alpha predators e.g. sharks as a consequence of this constant human interference.

The Whyalla council have in the past promoted this activity despite advice from AMWRRO to stop this immediately for the animals sake. AMWRRO has also notified The Department for Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) several times over the years, yet to this day nothing has been done to actively stop this from taking place. It is illegal to feed marine mammals according to the DENR Act.

Now the Natural Resources Management Board (NRMB) and DENR are working to rectify this problem by installing informative signs at the boat ramp in an attempt to stop this activity before it’s too late – however AMWRRO believes this should have been done years ago when first notified of the problem.

The local NRMB Officer on Thursday 7^th June contacted AMWRRO and requested assistance with regards to an injured juvenile dolphin in the marine.  AMWRRO personnel attended the following morning and identified a large wound on the dolphins head to be that of a shark bite. The melon of the dolphin was not badly affected – however infection is what will kill this young dolphin if not treated.

AMWRRO administered a large dose of long acting antibiotics into the young dolphin under the watchful eyes of DERN, NRM and Fisheries officers. Flippers crossed this animal will survive this attack and those who are responsible for feeding it will finally understand how their actions (as well intended as they are) must stop in order for these animals to remain as wild as possible and therefore more vigilant and self-supportive in the wild, verses that of relying on humans for food and therefore survival.

Watch the video

Meet Emma, an Australian fur seal pup that was found on the west coast of Port Lincoln on Sunday afternoon by a Lincoln local “Ben” whilst walking the beach.  Emma was being smashed up against

AMWRRO's Head Vet Dr. Boardman & AMWRRO Clinic Manager Kerry with Emma after surgery

rocks before Ben came to the rescue and pulled her free and out of harm’s way. Ben contacted AMWRRO for advice and did what not many people would do for a wild animal!

After explaining what Emma’s body was doing it was clear that she required immediate assistance.

After receiving advice from AMWRRO; Ben collected Emma from the beach, drove her to a vet surgery to collect a suitable carry cage and then dropped Emma at the airport for the next flight into Adelaide.

With thanks to AMWRRO sponsor – Australian Air Express Emma touched down in Adelaide only hours after the initial call and was transported to AMWRRO for treatment.  Yesterday Emma underwent a major surgery to remove over 20 rocks from her stomach and she is currently in intensive care in the AMWRRO clinic. Emma is still far from stable but flippers crossed she can pull through.

Katherine, Dr. Lisa & Kerry with Katrina (still groggy)

After a 2½ hour operation and two days to recover from the surgery Katrina is now on the mend! Katrina’s surgery went extremely well despite a few hiccups that are to be expected with any deep diving animal under anesthetic. AMWRRO vet Dr. Lisa performed yet another fantastic surgery and managed to debride all necrotic and infected tissues away from the abdominal muscles and remove the entire effected area before closing Katrina up with several internal and external stiches. The wound is much larger than first thought and many feathers surrounding the wound needed removing altogether; these will grow back over the next 4-6 weeks and in that time AMWRRO expects to have her release application submitted to the department for approval (pending all goes well).  If Katrina’s feathers do not cover the entire area and she is deemed “not waterproof” then AMWRRO will need to reconsider her release. Flippers crossed Katrina can again prove her ability to defy the odds and bounce back once again!