Orphaned dolphin was rescued

Mississippi marine biologists are caring for a young Atlantic bottlenose dolphin, which was stranded in Louisiana after apparently being orphaned.

A team from Gulfport's Institute for Marine Mammal Studies traveled Wednesday to Grand Isle, Louisiana, to rescue the male dolphin, believed to be two or three years old.

The animal, which has some health problems, was found stranded on the beach at Grand Isle.
Institute president Moby Solangi says dolphin has a urinary tract infection, was slightly dehydrated and had some rashes.

The dolphin is six feet long and weighs about 200 pounds.

A veterinarian, two biologists and a logistics staff member returned the dolphin to Gulfport yesterday (Thursday).

The dolphin has been placed in 24-hour quarantine. It is resting in a 15-by-40-foot inflatable pool that's about six feet deep. It will be under observation for at least 30 days.

After that, federal officials will assess his health and make a decision whether to reintroduce him to the wild.