Photographs show healing of sunburned dolphin Spirtle
University of AberdeenPhotographs 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.
University of AberdeenShe 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.
University of AberdeenThe 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.
University of AberdeenShe 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.
University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen
University of Aberdeen
WDC/Charlie PhillipsAll images are copyrighted.
