Jo-Jo The Dolphin Dies Following Health Problems
KEY LARGO (CBS4) – Jo-Jo the Risso's dolphin rescued off of Rodriguez Key over the weekend died suddenly Monday.
Jo-Jo, named by the teenagers who found him in the shallow waters just off of the upper Florida Keys Sunday had been suffering from liver problems, according to Robert Lingenfelser of the Marine Mammal Conservancy, which had been treating him.
The dolphin was receiving 24-hour care and had been treated with antibiotics for lacerations.
"It just started thrashing suddenly and we tried to administer life-saving measures," said Lingenfelser.
The MMC plans to conduct a necropsy on the dolphin Monday afternoon.
The 8-foot-long male Risso's dolphin was emaciated and was getting intravenous fluids to rehydrate him, but was not yet ready for food, Lingenfelser said.
The Marine Mammal Conservancy is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that is committed to protecting marine mammals and their habitat through research, rescue, rehabilitation, release and education, according to their Web site. It is located near Key Largo and is a volunteer-based organization.
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