Whale Stranding Rescue Effort 9-1-12 Full Version
Channel: MyFWCatWork
Date: 2012-09-02

Hundreds Perform a Labor of Love this Labor Day Weekend

Thanks to a citizen's call to FWC's Wildlife Alert Hotline, 5 of the short-finned pilot whales that stranded at Fort Pierce were rescued and sent to rehabilitation at FAU Harbor Branch. Deep appreciation to all involved in the rescue effort, including: NOAA, FAU Harbor Branch, Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, American Red Cross, Marine Mammal Conservancy, University of Florida, Department of Environmental Protection, and many, many citizen volunteers. 

WHALE UPDATE: The 4 remaing whales are receiving 24 hour care while being evaluated, stabilized and treated by animal expert teams from Harbor Branch, SeaWorld Orlando, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, Marine Mammal Conservancy, University of Florida, as well as specially trained and qualified Harbor Branch volunteers. The goal is for the whales to eventually transition to SeaWorld Orlando for long-term care, and ultimately be returned back into the ocean.  Funding for stranding responses is provided by proceeds from Florida's 'Protect Florida Whales' specialty license plate."
Full Photo Album: http://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/sets/72157631355674288/

Conversational audio included in the video by Steve from Harbor Branch: "It takes state and federal funding to do this type of work. Stranding, response, rehabilitation... it's hard to come by. We need public support, corporate support, but if you want to help in the state of Florida you can buy a 'protect florida whales or protect dolphin specialty license plate. It helps all the work at Harbor Branch, it helps marine network response to rescues like this. We appreciate it and thank you very much."