Abstract

This is the first case of a stranded neonate killer whale (Ornicus orca) that was rescued from Matanchen beach in San Blas Nayarit, Mexico. Pascuala was a female, born approximately three days before she was rescued, weighing 165 kg and 2.38 m in length. The neonate was found with whiskers, presence of umbilical cord and absence of teeth. She had multiple severe skin lesions, unable to float by herself and continuously trembled.

Once in Dolphin Adventure facility she was isolated to a portable pen. We initially hydrated her with water followed by a milk formula suggested by SeaWorld of California. Analyses were performed, and an immunoglobulin shot was administered to the calf that was also provided by Seaworld.

One week after she was rescued, Pascuala was moved to another separated bigger pen to see if she could swim better and swim by herself. We observed positive changes in her way of swimming and her skin healed very fast. On the first week of May our water temperature started increasing dramatically because of climatological changes. She began getting some skin lesions (abscesses) and a high leukocyte count that was treated with antibiotic therapy. Over the next 3 weeks Pascuala continued with a high leukocyte count without responding to the antibiotics. Her appetite and energy level decreased.

After all the efforts to save Pascuala, the calf died 2 months after she was rescued. She died from Nocardiosis and Pseudomonas infection due to poor immune function.

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to thank Dr. Jim McBain for his assistance in medical and nutritional care of this orphaned whale