Final Disposition
Bebo was released off Anna Maria Island on August 9, 2000
Bebo was found near Port Manatee entangled in the line of a marker buoy. The line had completely encircled the right front flipper and had cut down to the bone. The line had also encircled the left front flipper but had not cut so deep. There was also a small laceration on Bebo’s neck from the line. At first, it was thought that the right front flipper might have to be amputated but that proved unnecessary. The line was removed, the wounds were cleaned and were treated topically. Bebo was on systemic antibiotics for a period as well. The wounds completely healed and Bebo was released into the wild on 9 August 2000.
Lessons: The wounds that occur like this may appear very severe, but will heal fairly quickly as long as the blood supply is not disrupted to the flipper.
Patient Overview
Sex:Unknown
Age:Subadult
Patient Status:Former patient
Health Status:Released
Stranding Location:Port Manatee, Florida
Date of Stranding:March 5, 2000
Date of Arrival:March 5, 2000
Date Care Ended:August 9, 2000
Days in Care:157
Reason(s) for Care:Fishing gear entanglement