A third pygmy killer whale has been rescued by Mote Marine Laboratory.
According to Mote, the lab’s Stranding Investigations Program received a call on Tuesday regarding a beached pygmy killer whale on Longboat Key.
Staff responded to the distressed animal and were able to take it to Mote’s Jane’s Refuge Dolphin & Whale Hospital in Sarasota to begin treatment.
The third whale has been nicknamed “Bolt.”
Bolt remains in critical condition.
Staff will collect samples from the whale to be tested for possible exposure to red tide, but no specific cause of the stranding is suspected at this time.
On Aug. 29, Mote received two pygmy killer whales that were stranded in Clearwater.
Those whales have been nicknamed “Thunder” and “Lightning.”
The whales have been receiving around-the-clock care.
Thunder has been able to swim unaided.
Lightning requires more supportive care and encouragement to continue swimming.
Both Thunder and Lightning remain in critical condition as well.