Date: Jan 27, 2002 Grampus griseus, Male, Adult, 298cm, 214kg
Location: the beach of Tung Kang, Pingtung County
Situation: The risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) washed up on the beach of Tung Kang, Pingtung County; our staff drove it back from the beach and discovered three fairly large lesions on its body, each having a diameter of about 8cm. We suspected that it was bitten by cookie-cutter sharks. Caligussp was found on the wound. In a weakened state it was badly dehydrated, and having trouble balancing itself in water. We worked with National PingTung University of Science & Technology to provide rather complicated blood tests to the dolphin. Blood cell counts and blood biochemical values were used during diagnosis and follow-ups. It didn’t eat regularly and it died after thirty days. Autopsy revealed three ulcers in its stomach, large amount of dead round worms in its naval cavity, and progressive massive fibrosis, which led to obliteration of normal lung structures.
Cause of Death: Parasitic infection and diffuse pneumonia
Rescue teams:
Hi-Scene World Enterprise Co., Ltd.
Cetacean rescue team from the Planning Bureau of National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium