• Skip to main content

Clearwater Marine Aquarium is a working animal hospital dedicated to the rescue. rehabilitation, and release of marine life and a leader in research and conservation efforts to protect animals in the wild. Donate to support our mission today!

  • Rescue Map
  • Careers
    • Job Opportunities
    • Internships
  • Visit CMA
    • Visit Info
    • Tickets
    • Experience
    • Plan An Event
    • Learn
    • Webcams
  • News
    • Press & News
    • Press Releases
    • Rising Tides Announcement
    • Sea Turtle Patients
    • Sea Turtle Releases
    • Manatee Tracking
    • Rescue Stories
Clearwater Marine Aquarium Logo

Clearwater Marine Aquarium

  • What We Do
    • Rescue, Rehab, Release
    • Animal Care
    • Conservation & Research
    • Inspire The Human Spirit
  • Get Involved
    • Ways to Give
    • Save a Seat
    • Membership
    • Volunteer
    • Careers & Internships
    • Wish Lists
    • Donate Now
  • Research Institute
    • Manatee Research
    • Manatee Tracking
    • Right Whale Research
    • Expeditions
    • Project Partners
    • Meet Our Researchers
  • Education & Resources
    • Educational Resources
    • Off-Site Programs
    • Education Station
    • Report An Animal
  • About
    • 50 Years of CMA
    • Corporate Partnerships
    • Board of Directors
    • Executive Leadership
    • Contact Us
    • Financial Reports
    • Press & News
  • Donate
Blog & News

Stranded Dolphin Rescued From Mudflat in Hernando Beach

Rescue Updated July 30, 2018 Posted December 12, 2017

hernando beach dolphin rescue team

Rescue Team Responds to Bottlenose Dolphin Nicknamed Everest

Hernando Beach, FL (November 2017) – On the evening of November 29, 2017, Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) Rescue personnel received a call from Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s (FWC) Marine Mammal Pathobiology Lab (MMPL) regarding a live stranded dolphin in a mudflat close to a residential area of Hernando Beach.

After receiving the call and confirmation, the National Marine Fisheries Services (NMFS), and Clearwater Marine Aquarium’s veterinarian were immediately contacted to inform them of the situation, as well as follow their guidance. Staff, interns, and volunteers were dispatched to the area and were assisted by FWC’s Law Enforcement Officers.

hernando beach stranded dolphin
Photo credit: FWC Officer Robyn Bergwerff.

Initial Response

Upon arrival, the first response step was to assess the situation and examine the animal and environmental conditions. During this particular response, the biggest challenge was the current low tide and the location of the animal in a mudflat.

The male Atlantic bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) appeared to be in good body condition, and was responsive and alert to its surroundings, despite having some sunburn on the right side of his body.

hernando beach rescued dolphin with split dorsal fin

Dorsal Fin Identification

Just as every person can be identified by a fingerprint, every dolphin has a unique dorsal fin with distinct nicks and notches. By taking pictures, photo ID groups can record sightings of the animal post release. In this particular case, the dolphin also had a very distinct dorsal fin that resembled the profile of a mountain, so he was nicknamed Everest. This unique dorsal fin shape was caused by a previous injury that healed, but it is unknown if it was due to natural causes or human interaction.

hernando beach dolphin rescue

Everest Monitored and Released

Respirations were also continually monitored, which can provide insight to the lung condition, as well as stress levels. Everest had strong breaths and they were consistent through the rescue process. Dolphins in the wild are not used to supporting their own weight which is why they can “run out of breath” during strandings. As a precaution, and to provide additional support, oxygen was administered to him upon each respiration and he was supported in an upright position.

Blood was collected and analyzed, and NMFS along with CMA’s veterinarian determined that Everest was a good candidate for immediate release. He was released on incoming tide and was able to to swim on his own. He was monitored by boat until he was not seen or heard again.

Help us continue our mission to rescue, rehab and release marine life. Donate today. 


If you find a dolphin, whale, sea turtle or river otter in distress in the Tampa Bay area, immediately call CMA’s 24-hour Emergency Stranding Hotline at 727-441-1790 Ext.1. Please do not email or attempt to contact via social media; always call the hotline first.


NFWF logo

We greatly appreciate the support from NFWF, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, for our rescue efforts.

All photos featured taken acknowledging the following – stranding response conducted under stranding agreement between NMFS and CMA under the authority of the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

Previous Post: Sea Turtle Hospital Patient – Marigold
Next Post: 12 Endangered Sea Turtles Affected by Mass Cold Stun Arrive at Clearwater Marine Aquarium

We believe in preserving our environment while inspiring the human spirit through leadership in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine life; environmental education; research; and conservation.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization.

Clearwater Marine Aquarium
249 Windward Passage
Clearwater, FL 33767
727-441-1790

Sign up for Our Newsletter

Subscribe

Shop • Careers & Internships • Contact


Visit Us

Buy Tickets • Watch Webcams • Camps • Upcoming Events



© 2025 Clearwater Marine Aquarium

Privacy Policy • Terms & Conditions • Accessibility

A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR CLEARWATER MARINE AQUARIUM, A FL-BASED NONPROFIT CORPORATION (REGISTRATION NO. CH352), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE 1-800-435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE OR BY VISITING www.800helpfla.com. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. Federal Tax ID#: 59-2086737.

  • What We Do
  • Get Involved
  • Research Institute
  • Education & Resources
  • About
  • Visit CMA
  • Membership
  • Careers
  • Donate
  • Blog & News
  • Rescue Map