Dolphin Life

Saturday, May 30, 2026 -- Dolphin Life received the first report of a floating whale carcass on the Atlantic side near Grassy Key Flats, south of Duck Key, the evening of Saturday, May 30, 2026. At daybreak on May 31, primary responders from Dolphin Life located the carcass and loaded the 503cm (16.6 ft) long whale onto their transport trailer. They transported and delivered the animal to Denise Boyd and her team at FWC's Port Charlotte facility later that afternoon.

The animal was identified as a very rare, adolescent male True's Beaked Whale. This is only the second True's Beaked Whale that Dolphin Life staff have encountered in 36 years. The True's Beaked Whale is one of the most data deficient species on the planet. The study of this animal and its necropsy results will be a significant contribution to the scientific community. Dolphin Life is proud to have been a part of this contribution.

Dolphin Life appreciates the partnership and teamwork demonstrated by all involved in this response and transport, and would like to thank FWC and NMFS, Denise Boyd and her team at FWC's Port Charlotte facilities, as well as local community members who helped recover the carcass. For more information about supporting our organization and the stranding response team in the Keys through donation and volunteering, please visit our website at www.dolphinlife.org/support

Some duos just make sense. 🐬🐬