Aquarium under investigation following two dolphins' deaths

Two recent dolphin deaths at an aquarium have officials looking for answers.Daphne, a female pantropical spotted dolphin, died at Florida’s Gulfarium on April 22. Buster, an Atlantic spotted dolphin, died two days later.“As of right now, we have no reason to think the two are related at all,” Don Abrams, the Gulfarium’s general manager, told the Northwest Florida Daily News.

Tissue samples from both animals are being analyzed, and staff have stopped feeding the animals the type of fish that both animals were eating until testing can be completed.Veterinarian Forrest Townsend said Daphne died of liver disease and related neurological complications. He said Buster likely died of a severe inflammation of the stomach and abdomen.

Daphne came to the Gulfarium after she was stranded about eight years ago. She was rescued near Port St. Joe by a group of Girl Scouts.Buster came to the Gulfarium after he was stranded near Clearwater Beach 18 months ago.