The Palm Beach Zoo & Conservation Society is uniquely equipped to assist in marine mammal stranding response in Palm Beach County. The Melvin J. and Claire Levine Animal Care Complex (ACC) was designed to include a spacious room for the unfortunate but very necessary examination of deceased animals. Known as a necropsy, the procedure is vital to understanding the potential cause of death of the animal. A new partnership has been formed with the Palm Beach County Marine Mammal Stranding Network to provide this space to marine mammologists in event of a local dolphin, manatee or small whale stranding.
Here at the ACC, scientists can perform their evaluation and collect samples from relatively large animals at a centrally-located indoor lab. Though relatively rare, marine mammal strandings are logistically challenging, and the Zoo is pleased to provide space for this vital need.
Photo credits (L-R): Wilfredo Lee/Associated Press, nypost.com, Barney Moss/Watching Whales
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