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Tokitae’s Necropsy

Posted October 17, 2023 in News by Whale Sanctuary Project

The results of the necropsy that was performed on the orca Tokitae, who passed away on August 18th, have been released by the Miami Seaquarium. Following are two documents:

  • The report, as received and released by the Miami Seaquarium, of veterinary pathologist Dr. Judy St. Leger, who led the necropsy;
  • A statement from Tokitae’s lead consulting veterinarians Tom Reidarson, DVM, and consulting veterinarians James McBain, DVM retired, and Stephanie Norman, DVM.

The necropsy was led by veterinary pathologist Dr. Judy St. Leger, a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Pathology with more than 20 years of experience in marine mammal pathology. She has worked with free ranging orcas and orcas in professional care; has published five peer-reviewed papers on the matter and is coauthor of the Killer Whale Necropsy Guidelines. Dr. St. Leger rigorously led the necropsy with the presence of a Veterinary Medical Officer for the NOAA Fisheries’ Southeast Fisheries Science Center and leader of the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program; and was supported by a team of highly skilled pathologists.

Exec Summary - Tokitae necropsy

Having reviewed the results of the necropsy, Drs. Reidarson, McBain and Norman issued the following assessment:

Tokitae Necropsy Veterinary Care Team Statement

 

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