Rescued juvenile dolphin passes hearing test

Jitterbug
May 13, 2016
Rescued dolphin released back into the Gulf of Mexico
June 22, 2016

Rescued juvenile dolphin passes hearing test

Audubon Nature Institute, working in partnership with Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), rescued a juvenile male dolphin that was stranded on Grand Isle beach Monday, October 26, 2015. The dolphin was transported to Audubon Aquatic Center (AAC) in New Orleans and is making positive progress following months of evaluation and treatment.

The dolphin recently underwent an extensive hearing examination known as an “auditory evoked potential test” administered by Dr. Dorian S. Houser, PhD, Director of Conservation and Biological Research for the National Marine Mammal Foundation.

“It’s important that hearing tests on rehabilitating dolphins and porpoises are performed to ensure they have adequate hearing to support echolocation and communication once they are returned to the wild. Hearing tests on stranded animals are also one of the only ways we can acquire information on hearing in species that are not in human care. The data we collect helps us understand how ocean noise affects marine life.”Dr. Dorian S. Houser, PhD.

Audubon Nature Institute works closely with state and federal organizations as a response partner for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles to collect data about existing populations of animals along Louisiana’s coast and waterways, and to assist and support researchers in the conservation of marine species.

Click here to view the full press release

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