Photographs show healing of sunburned dolphin Spirtle

Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, An image taken just months after bottlenose dolphin Spirtle was sunburned
  • Author, Steven McKenzie
  • Role, 大象传媒 Scotland Highlands and Islands reporter

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Photographs taken by University of Aberdeen scientists chart a dolphin's recovery from horrific looking sunburn injuries.

The bottlenose dolphin known as Spirtle was stranded out of the water on mudflats for 24 hours last May in the Cromarty Firth.

Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, The dolphin was injured after becoming stranded on mudflats

She was spotted by chance by a couple who had got lost trying to drive to a dolphin-watching spot at the Moray Firth.

Rescuers refloated the dolphin but did not think she would survive.

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Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, Scientists have been monitoring how Spirtle's wound has healed

The University of Aberdeen has been monitoring Spirtle's recovery from its Lighthouse Field Station at Cromarty.

Scientists and conservationists hope Spirtle might eventually breed and raise young.

Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, An image of Spirtle taken in May this year

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She is part of a group of dolphins that include her sister Honey and their mother Porridge, and are usually found in the Moray Firth.

Whale and Dolphin Conservation field officer and wildlife photographer Charlie Phillips has also been helping to document Spirtle's recovery.

Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, Young Spirtle and her mum Porridge in 2012

Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, Mother and daughter in 2015

Image source, University of Aberdeen

Image caption, Conservationists hope she will go on to raise young of her own

Image source, WDC/Charlie Phillips

Image caption, An image of Spirtle taken at the weekend by Charlie Phillips

All images are copyrighted.