Abstract

On September 1, 2015, two adult male Feresa attenuata (pygmy killer whales) weighing 141.8 kg, 218 cm length, and 112.04 kg, 224 cm length respectively, stranded in a marsh near Waveland, MS. They were rescued by the Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) in Gulfport, MS, treated for shock, and transported to the IMMS quarantine facility where they were rehabilitated together and released on July 11, 2016. On September 2, 2017, a male Peponocephala electra (melon-headed whale), 250 cm, 149 kg stranded in Fort Morgan, Alabama. The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network responded to the stranding and the animal was rescued and transported to the IMMS, where it was placed in quarantine for medical assessment, rehabilitation, and final release on December 14, 2017. All animals were given physical examinations and diagnostic workups including hematology, serum biochemistry, parasitology, bacterial and fungal cultures, and ultrasound, with re-evaluations throughout their rehabilitation. Morbillivirus and Bartonella were negative for all three animals. Both pygmy killer whales had a PCR positive for Brucella sp., while the melon-headed whale was negative. PCR product yield was not sufficient for sequencing to determine species or phylogenetic affinities. Blowhole swabs of all three animals yielded trematode eggs, likely Nasitrema sp. The melon-headed whale also had larval nematodes in the expelled mucilaginous exudate. One pygmy killer whale had significant epidermal erythema with severe blistering caused by over exposure to sunlight. Treatment included cold laser therapy and topical therapeutics. For all three animals, a lower respiratory infection was concluded to be the primary cause of morbidity, which was treated with systemic antibiotic and antifungal medications. Anthelmintics, including praziquantel and fenbendazole were administered for parasite treatment. Fluid therapy and vitamin and mineral supplementation were also administered. All three animals’ diets consisted of lean and fatty herring, capelin, and squid at an average intake of 7,200 to 8,500 kcals per day. Behavioral studies indicated primarily affiliative interactions, characterized by high levels of tactile behavior, between the pygmy killer whales. Similarly, the melon-headed whale engaged in extensive tactile behaviors focused on the environment. To avoid any potential injuries associated with tactile engagement with non-enrichment items, such as the pool wall, the animal was provided a rub rope. The melon-headed whale responded positively to this enrichment, evidenced by a reduction in tactile engagement with the pool wall, as well as a reduction in stereotypical swim patterns. For all three animals, hearing tests were considered normal when compared to the data for similar species. Once the overall health assessments were found to be within normal parameters, consideration for release was made. An extensive review of medical data, consultation with veterinary medical experts, and other marine mammal authorities nationwide (both governmental and non-governmental) was made and all three animals were deemed releasable. They were transported to approximately 100 miles off shore, and satellite tags were placed to monitor them post release. This is the first known time that Feresa attenuata and Peponocephala electra have been rescued, rehabilitated, and released with satellite tags to monitor the success of release.

Acknowledgements

Eric Jensen, US Navy Marine Mammal Program; Dorian Houser, National Marine Mammal Foundation; Randy Wells, Chicago Zoological Society; Kent Hoblet and Jennifer Gambino, Mississippi State University - College of Veterinary Medicine; William Henry; Mike Brainard, Mississippi Department of Marine Resources; US Coast Guard and the crew of USCG Cypress; National Marine Fisheries Services; Gulfport, Mississippi Fire Department; Memorial Hospital of Gulfport, Mississippi; Institute for Marine Mammal Studies staff, interns, and volunteers

* Presenting author