Injured dolphin named Babyface spotted in gulf 3 years after recovery

MADEIRA BEACH (FOX 13) - Almost exactly three years after badly-injured was found swimming in John's Pass, photographer Doc Jon spotted the marine mammal, which seems to continue to thrive in the waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Back in June 2015, scientists and marine life specialists from the Clearwater Marine Aquarium and the National Marine Fisheries Services were called to help the dolphin, which was apparently the victim of a boat's propeller. were able to monitor the dolphin and figure out a way to help.

The dolphin was determined to be about 9 years old. Ann Weaver, a resident of John's Pass and animal behaviorist who had been studying dolphins in the area for over a decade, named the dolphin Babyface.

Although the lacerations seemed to go all the way to the bone, the scientists decided it was best to let Babyface heal in her natural environment. She seemed to be traveling and foraging easily.

They caught up with her again in August 2015, confirming she was continuing to improve.

On May 18, 2018, photographer Doc Jon caught a glimpse of Babyface. Her cuts are healed, but her scars make her easily-identifiable.