Dolphin with no tail fitted for new fin

Published: July 13, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Order reprints
CLEARWATER, Fla., July 13 (UPI) -- A dolphin at a Florida rescue center was sized up for a new prosthetic fin designed to allow her to swim with more flexibility, marine experts say.

The 3-year-old dolphin, Winter, was measured Saturday at Clearwater Marine Aquarium, the Tampa (Fla.) Tribune reported.

Experts at Hanger Prosthetics & Orthotics are constructing a new cast of Winter's peduncle, which is located between her fluke and dorsal fin, the newspaper said.

Experts said Winter has received several prosthetic tails since she was rescued from a crab trap three years ago when her tail was severed.

Winter's new tail will be constructed with an advanced stainless steel joint that will give her increased flexability, said Jeni Hatter, media relations director for the rescue facility.

The dolphin will also get a new non-slip sleeve for her stump, the Tribune said.


© 2008 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved.



Crude oil prices rise slightly (<1 min)
MLB: N.Y. Yankees 6, Minnesota 4 (2 min)
Analysis shows scorpion venom composition (3 min)
UPI NewsTrack Sports (8 min)
Grain futures higher Thursday (8 min)
Some Calif. stations reject pro-pot ad (11 min)
UPI NewsTrack TopNews (15 min)
fark
Obama: Poorer nations should fight harder against global warming. Poorer Nations: Obama should EABOD....
Nielsen survey explains scientifically why your mom sends you five fwd:'s a day (with a minimum...
Photo processing company sued for handing over pics of stoner's pot harvest to cops. In related...
Massachusetts prosecutor finds century-old law making it a crime to crash a train while trying to...
MJ's funeral was a rare glimpse into African-American culture. Because African-Americans are all...
British town seeking to hire witch, offers annual salary of $80,000; Ann Coulter reportedly applies...