Last month, Master of Professional Science (MPS) – Marine Biology & Fisheries (MBF) students observed a phlebotomy procedure being performed on a male Tursiops truncatus (Alfonz) at Dolphin Cove in Key Largo, FL, during Dr. Julia Zaias’ Marine Mammal Diseases class. The 1 liter bleed serves as a treatment for a condition called Hemochromatosis, which is an iron storage disease. The phlebotomy procedure ultimately reduces the amount of iron in the body and prevents any liver damage.
A voluntary phlebotomy procedure being performed on a male Tursiops truncatus, Alfonz.
They also observed a 17month old dolphin, Zoe, undergo rehabilitation in an above ground pool following an acute liver-related illness. Dolphins Plus and Ocean Embassy professionals worked collectively to successfully rehabilitate this calf. The picture below is of the class observing a tubing procedure. Students were happy to hear that two weeks after their field trip, Zoe was transported from the above ground critical care pool to the main lagoon with other Bottlenose Dolphins. Zoe has made a full recovery and is thriving.
17 month old Bottlenose Dolphin Zoe, undergoes rehabilitation following an acute liver-related illness.
Nancy Cooper
Director of Training for Dolphins Plus and Dolphin Cove
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