1600 Ken Thompson Parkway
Sarasota, FL 34236
Ph: (941) 388-4441
Hours: 10AM - 5PM
A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.
Age Class | Adult |
Gender | Male |
Date Stranded | November 15, 1993 |
Location of Stranding | Marco Island, FL |
Date of Arrival | November 15, 1993 |
Number of Days of Care | 40 |
Died on 23 Dec 1993
Lunar stranded in the company of two other whales of the same species that soon departed. The fate of these two individuals is unknown. Initially, Lunar was weak, listing, dehydrated, and exhibited occasional arching of his tail. Bloodwork was not remarkable. He was placed on antibiotics and ulcer medication, and later was treated for a fungal infection as well. Lunar showed some slight improvement in being able to swim slowly and eat squid, but his condition soon worsened resulting in inappetance, vomiting, and frequent episodes of head and tail arching.
Upon necropsy, Meningioencephalitis due to Nasitrema sp ova was diagnosed.
bacterial pneumonia, Aspergillosis of duodenum, contra-comp hemorrhage of brain.
1- Euthanasia criteria should be developed.
2- Consider CT or MRI for difficult cases
Rhinehart, H. L., C. A. Manire, F. W. Klutzow, and G. D. Bossart. "Brain lesions and clinical signs in two pygmy killer whales (Feresa attenuata) associated with Nasitrema sp." Poster presentation at the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine 30th annual conference, Boston, MA. 1999.
Throughout the month of March, Mote Aquarium experiences high daily visitation volume with many timed ticketed entry slots selling out. Guests are highly encouraged to purchase tickets in advance in order to guarantee entry.
Mote Aquarium is open seven days a week at our normal hours, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. We hope to SEA you soon!