[MARINE_BIOLOGY_INTERNATIONAL] Spinner dolphin dies at Mote

Spinner dolphin dies at Mote

Harley, a spinner dolphin, lived for six years at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium in Sarasota. She died Friday, according to Mote staff. (Photo provided by Mote Marine / Marc Ellis)

By Todd Ruger
Herald Tribune

Published: Monday, September 26, 2011 at 11:58 a.m.

SARASOTA - A spinner dolphin named Harley died Friday at Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium, more than six years after Sarasota became her permanent home.

Harley, a Stenella longirostris, allowed Mote to learn more about spinner dolphin behavior and biology and share that knowledge with Mote visitors.

The cause of death is unknown at this time, and Mote staff are planning a necropsy and other tests to understand why Harley died.

"It is possible that we might never fully know the cause of death," Mote said in a statement Monday. Spinner dolphins like Harley are typically found in deep water, far from shore.

"While we are saddened at this loss in our animal family, we are thankful for all the help and support that enabled us to provide Harley a good home here at Mote," the aquarium's statement said.

Harley came into captivity when she was about a year old: She was found stranded in April 2004 on Mustang Island, Texas. Harley was taken to the Animal Rehabilitation Keep at the University of Texas Marine Science Institute by the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network for rehabilitation.

The National Marine Fisheries Service deemed Harley non-releasable because of her young age — dolphins typically stay with their mothers for three to six years — and because of a chronic stomach condition.

When NMFS sought a more permanent home for Harley, they chose Mote.

For the time being, Mote's dolphin lagoon area and the nearby gift shop in the Marine Mammal Research and Rehabilitation Center will remain closed to visitors.

"We are also closely monitoring Harley's tank mate, Moonshine, during this time period," Mote said.

Donations in memory of Harley can be made to Mote's Dolphin and Whale Hospital online at http://www.mote.org/hospitalhelp.