Meet Ridgway: SeaWorld announces winning name for baby dolphin

ORLANDO, Fla. — Meet Ridgway, SeaWorld Orlando’s newest baby dolphin resident.

The theme park held a contest to name the dolphin, who was deemed unreleasable after being rehabilitated following life-threatening injuries in the waters off Clearwater Beach.

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He’s named in honor of Dr. Sam Ridgway, a pioneer in marine and mammal medicine and science.

Rescuers saved the then less than 2-month-old baby on July 20 when he was found struggling and tangled in the remnants of crab trap lines. Officials said they tried to release him into the open water, but the baby was unable to swim on his own and his mother was nowhere in sight.

Read: SeaWorld Orlando wants your help to name this baby dolphin

The baby dolphin arrived at SeaWorld Orlando unresponsive and unable to swim on his own. After nine weeks of intensive care, he is now in stable condition bottle feeding, swimming on his own and healing from his injuries.

Photos: SeaWorld wants your help to name this baby dolphin

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Baby dolphin The public is invited to vote to name a baby dolphin that will remain in SeaWorld Care after being deemed non-releasable. (SeaWorld Orlando)

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