February 17, 2003

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network 

A beached dolphin discovered on Quintana Beach in Brazoria County on Friday is being cared for at rehabilitation facilities in Galveston.  

Members of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Dolphin Rescue Team, who responded to the stranding, named the six-foot one-inch, 158 pound juvenile bottlenose dolphin “Cupid” in honor of the Valentines Day.  

The mammal is estimated to be one to one and one-half years old.  

"Cupid is improving today but still not out of the woods," said Tammy Renaud, state operations  coordinator for the network Sunday night.  "He is still being supported by volunteers but trying to do a little bit more for himself.  We attempted to introduce whole fish, and he was very interested in them—became instantly alert and eager to eat.  We don’t want to move to quickly, so he is going to still be tubed fluids and then offered fish at alternate feedings.  Blood results are still not showing exactly what is happening, but tonight was a little more optimistic than yesterday."

The TMMSN is a non-profit volunteer organization that responds to sick and injured dolphins along the entire Texas Coast.  The cost of caring for one animal can range between $200-400 per day, with the average rehab lasting between 2 and 3 months.

For questions or to make a financial contribution to the TMMSN, please contact our State Office in Galveston at (409)740-4455.

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