Clearwater, Florida -- A baby dolphin that was rescued on Redington Beach on the Fourth of July is now undergoing medical care at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium.
Video shot by Katie McCabe showed the juvenile, 4-foot dolphin struggling in the shallow water, trying to beach itself.
CMA and Florida Fish and Wildlife were able to pull the weak and malnourished calf from the water and take it to the aquarium's medical facility for treatment.
Watch video of the dolphin's rescue:
The animal, identified as a female Atlantic spotted dolphin, is receiving round-the-clock medical care and fluids and fluids to stay hydrated. CMA says the dolphin could not swim on her own when she first arrived at the facility, but after 48 hours is much more alert, although still very fragile.
Based on the calf's condition, she is believed to have been without her mother for approximately one week.
"The medical team is pleased with the progress thus far but there are several unknowns as we continue rehabilitation and treatment," Clearwater Marine Aquarium CEO David Yates said in a press release. "We are monitoring the animal 24/7 because she is still in critical condition. We are supporting her while she is swimming and monitoring her with a team of dedicated staff and volunteers. We want to thank the bystanders who reported the stranding to FWC for taking appropriate action, as stranded marine life are generally ill or injured and need immediate medical attention."
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