MIAMI (AP) — A team of experts is hydrating five stranded pilot whales with fish smoothies through a feeding tube every four hours and monitoring their activity levels around the clock.
The whales were the only ones to survive after a group of 22 came ashore on a South Florida beach this weekend.
Two calves and three juveniles were taken Saturday to Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Institute for rehabilitation. Experts say the animals are worn out but mostly doing well.
Dr. Michelle Davis, a senior veterinarian for SeaWorld Orlando, says some of the whales have had an increased respiratory rate at times, causing them to float away from the group and become less active.
It's unclear why the whale pod became stranded at Avalon Beach State Park in St. Lucie County.
