This whale was found this morning on Ormond Beach with no evidence of its mother. It was transported to Mote DWH by Sea World Adventure Park and Hubbs-Sea World personnel. The calf arrived with pneumonia, very dehydrated, very underweight, and has evidence of severe gastrointestinal infection and gastric ulcer. The prognosis is very grave for the next couple of days, but we will do everything we can to help it survive.

10/26 The calf survived the first night, but not without problems. He is unable to swim and must be supported continuously. In addition to everything else, he has an intestinal obstruction (probably constipation due to dehydration) that is keeping him from absorbing fluids and formula. Blood work indicated a low white count, very low blood sugar, and very high electrolytes. Kidney and liver values were OK. Lungs are much clearer this morning.

10/27 Whale is somewhat improved today. Lungs still somewhat clearer. Blood values are much improved. Obstruction is decreasing and gastric contents are beginning to move through.

10/28 Blood values are back to normal for electrolytes and white count. Glucose is now somewhat high, but this is much preferred to a low value. He swam for the first time this morning for about 10 minutes. He is still very weak, but is definitely improving. Taking formula well.

10/29 Armand spent most of last night and this morning free swimming, although he gets tired eventually. He has gained 4 kg (8.8 lbs) since arriving, probably all fluid gain. He is very interactive with handlers, and his lungs are almost completely clear.

11/1 Armand continues to improve every day.  He is now strong enough that he is occasionally left alone in the tank without any handlers.  His blood work is almost normal, and we have begun to take him off medications.

11/5 Calf is continuing to improve. He is interactive with handlers and toys and is fine when left alone.

11/7 Doing well today.

11/9 Continuing to do well. Appetite is great.

11/11 Still doing very well.

11/13 No change. Still gaining weight.

11/15 Armand is beginning to become more independent, requiring less human attention and interaction.

11/18 Doing very well.

11/20 Armand gained more weight this week. Doing well.

11/26 Playful and eating well. Started calf on antifungal for respiratory infection.

11/29 Continues to do very well.

12/4 Armand is off all medications except the antifungal that he will be on for about a month. Gaining much of his lost weight back.

12/6 Calf is getting a little rambunctious with handlers, possibly normal for juvenile males, but this is the first male calf we have tried to raise. Will try to get the behavior under control soon, as it will not be so "cute" when he weighs 1000 pounds! Otherwise, doing very well.

12/9 Armand is now over 100 pounds and continuing to do very well.

12/13 No change.

12/16 Continues being active and playful, appetite great.

12/19 Calf continues gaining weight and doing well.

12/21 More of the same.

12/24 Eating well and gaining weight.

12/30 Continuing to do well. Has a slight sinus infection, but doesn't seem to be a problem.

1/1/03 Doing well.

1/3 Seems to be doing very well.

1/7 Some evidence of continuing sinus infection and an intestinal infection. Started antibiotics.

1/9 No change.

1/12 Occasionally vomits a very small amount, but otherwise doing well.

1/15 No more vomiting noted.

1/17 Doing well.

1/20 Armand vomited a little this morning. His blood work is improved, but may be having trouble with one of the drugs he is on. Will recheck bloodwork tomorrow.

1/22 Armand vomited a good bit last night and his liver values are up. Have taken him off the drug that may be causing the problem. Seems somewhat better this morning.

1/24 Armand had severe problems last night and had to be supported in the water for about 10 hours. He has been continuing to vomit and probably aspirated some liquid into his lungs. He is now swimming on his own, but we have evidence that he has a complete intestinal blockage that may be related to his liver problem.

1/24pm Sadly, at about 6 pm, Armand died very quietly. The intestinal blockage seems to have been a part of it, but a necropsy tomorrow should show the cause of death.

1/25 Necropsy today revealed a twisting of the lower colon (volvulus), similar to that found in Ami. As with Ami, there was nothing that could be done to treat or prevent the condition. In addition, there was considerable hemorrhage in the second stomach compartment of unknown cause. We will await histopathology results regarding the stomach