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Rescued baby dolphin Ridgway healing from injuries, SeaWorld Orlando says

Dolphin found with tail entangled in crab trap last year

SeaWorld Orlando shares update on rescued baby dolphin (SeaWorld)

ORLANDO, Fla. – SeaWorld Orlando shared a positive update on the health of one of its dolphins that was rescued last summer on Clearwater Beach.

The small dolphin, named Ridgway, was rescued back on July 20 after being found with life-threatening injuries sustained from entanglement in crab trap lines. Teams from Clearwater Marine Aquarium and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) transported the dolphin to a backstage area at SeaWorld for urgent medical care and rehabilitation.

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Over the last several months, SeaWorld’s animal care team said Ridgeway has completely healed from all the injuries he sustained from the crab trap, gained weight and length and had all of his teeth come in on his upper and lower jaw.

NOAA deemed Ridgway non-releasable due to his young age. Teams at SeaWorld Orlando recently moved the dolphin to the theme park’s Dolphin Nursery area where the public can view him as teams continue around-the-clock care and bottle feedings. SeaWorld said once Ridgeway starts eating fish, his bottle feedings will be gradually reduced.

Guests can learn more about Ridgeway’s care during the theme park’s “Inside Look” weekends, which begins Jan. 7. According to SeaWorld’s website, guests will get an inside look into Ridgway’s everyday care, his rescue and rehabilitation journey and a unique opportunity to watch his bottle-feeding conducted by one of our animal care specialists.

Last year, SeaWorld announced that the company had surpassed 40,000 animal rescues in its history.

Click here to learn more about SeaWorld’s commitment to animal rescue, rehabilitation and return program.

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