ORLANDO, Fla. — Does he look like a Ridgway, Theodore, Pierre or Teddy?
SeaWorld Orlando wants your help to name a baby dolphin deemed unreleasable after being rehabilitated following life-threatening injuries in the waters off Clearwater Beach.
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Rescuers saved the less than 2-month-old baby on July 20 when he was found struggling and tangled in the remnants of crab trap lines. Officials said they tried to release him into the open water, but the baby was unable to swim on his own and his mother was nowhere in sight.
The baby dolphin arrived at SeaWorld Orlando unresponsive and unable to swim on his own. After nine weeks of intensive care, he is now in stable condition bottle feeding, swimming on his own and healing from his injuries.
Read: New study shows risk dolphins face in Central Florida waters
But despite his progress, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) determined he is non-releasable because of his lack of critical skills needed to survive on his own due to his young age and size at rescue.
“While he still has a long road to full recovery, we’re proud of the great progress he has made so far,” said Jon Peterson, vice president of zoological operations at SeaWorld Orlando. “He has captured everyone’s heart and we are thrilled to invite animal lovers everywhere to vote on their favorite name for him and join us on his journey of hope and resiliency.”
You can click here to vote on his name. The poll closes at 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 26.
Photos: SeaWorld wants your help to name this baby dolphin
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