IndIanapolIs Zoo annual RepoRt 2011

BRInGInG up taZ
On January 13, 2011, a 6-month-old male dolphin calf was
discovered at Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on
Sanibel Island, Florida. There were no other dolphins in
sight; even his mother was nowhere to be found. Like
most mammals, a dolphin calf requires intensive parental
care early in life––it would never be left alone without
good cause.
Shortly after he was found, he was transported to a rescue
facility at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota. The staff
named him Taz and cared for him around the clock with
supplemental feedings, observations, and getting him
acclimated to people. For Taz, this was just the beginning
of an incredible adventure. Since he could not be released
back into the wild, a good home had to be found for
him—and quickly.
The Indianapolis Zoo was honored to be chosen to receive
Taz. One factor was that our dolphin group includes males
and females with their offspring, ranging
in age from 9 to 20+ years old. Another determining
factor was the excellent reputation of our staff, which
has extensive experience working with dolphins and other
marine mammals, such as seals, sea lions, walruses, and
polar bears. Now we’ve set a precedent as the only inland
institution ever to receive a rescued dolphin.
The transport of Taz from Sarasota to Indianapolis could
not have gone more smoothly. He was moved from Mote, to
the airport, where he went onto a chartered plane. Once he
landed at Indianapolis International Airport, he was placed
in a truck to be transported to the Zoo. Pool to pool was
accomplished in only four and a half hours.
The process of caring for, training, and incorporating this
youngster into the Zoo’s dolphin group was done very
carefully and methodically throughout the year. He was
gradually weaned onto a fish diet and gently introduced
to the other members of the group. Beginning with near
24-hour human care and gradually tapering off to a normal
Zoo day, Taz was cared for by marine mammal and vet
staff with devotion and dedication. Extremely playful from
the start, Taz enjoys interactions with the staff and other
dolphins (and all his toys), and he took to training right
away, even doing a few turns and twists during the shows
beginning in early 2012.
We will never know what happened to Taz’s mother and
pod, but there’s comfort in knowing he has a future here
and is part of the team that brings the message of ocean
conservation to Zoo visitors.
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