FORT PIERCE — Researchers from the Marine Mammal Research and Conservation program (MMRCP) at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University recently assisted in a successful rescue effort of an orphaned baby dolphin from the Indian River Lagoon in Titusville.
The fully dependent orphaned calf, estimated to be between 6 to 8 weeks old, was found swimming alongside its dead mother. The calf is part of the Indian River Lagoon dolphin population which researchers at Harbor Branch have studied since 1996. The mother’s cause of death will be 
determined based on necropsy results conducted by the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute, Harbor Branch’s stranding network partner.
Dr. Juli Goldstein, D.V.M., staff veterinarian and assistant research professor at Harbor Branch, alongside Steve McCulloch, founder and program manager of the MMRCP, and Steve Burton, Harbor Branch animal care specialist, evaluated the calf and worked to stabilize and place it aboard the Harbor Branch dolphin ambulance for transport to the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) in Clearwater.
Upon arrival, Goldstein and McCulloch placed the calf in a pool to acclimate it and enable bottle feeding. The researchers also worked with the staff at CMA to set a process in motion for continued feedings, medical evaluations and treatments.
“This effort demonstrates the successful collaboration and partnerships with the National Marine Fisheries Service and the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Network to ensure that Florida’s dolphins will always have a future in Florida’s waters,” McCulloch said.
Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University is a research institute dedicated to exploration, innovation, conservation and education related to the oceans. Harbor Branch was founded in 1971 as a private non-profit organization. In December 2007, Harbor Branch joined Florida Atlantic University.