Pumbaa

Gervais beaked whale (Mesoplodon europaeus)

(MML 9808)

Age Class	Adult
Gender	Male
Date Stranded	October 12, 1998
Location of Stranding	Reddington Pier, Clearwater, FL
Date of Arrival	October 12, 1998
Number of Days of Care	10 Days

Final Disposition

Died on 23 October 98

Pumbaa, a Gervais beaked whale, was unable to swim and was inappetant for the entire time of treatment. Because of his large size (1500 pounds) he was supported in the shallow end of the rehabilitation lagoon by four to eight volunteers at a time, 24 hours per day. His respiration rate was exceptionally low, 0-1 breath per five minutes, but this is likely normal for this little-known, deep diving species. Pumbaa was treated for possible gastric ulcers and for pneumonia. Very little improvement was noted during treatment. Necropsy revealed pneumonia and a generalized, multi organ infection (septicemia).

Cause of Death: Septicemia; possible viral lung lesions (not morbillivirus) with secondary bacterial infection.

Lessons1- 60-65% is normal HCT for this species.
2- 6-8 stomach compartments (or sacculations of the intestines); 1st stomach is of expected size relative to body; this individual took 4 L of oral fluids easily.
3- Able to give IV fluids in larger individuals through fluke vasculature.