A bottlenose dolphin spotted in the East River off East 96th Street in Manhattan does not appear to be injured, but biologists continue to monitor its movement for any potential changes, marine authorities said Thursday.
The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation said a staff biologist accompanied New York State Department of Environmental Conservation representatives on a boat Wednesday to evaluate the dolphin, and at that time, it appeared to be diving and swimming normally.
The animal was using a large area of the river, which is a positive health sign, and avoided getting too close to the boat while the biologist was observing it -- another good indication the dolphin is OK.
Riverhead said it received reports Thursday that the dolphin was still in the area, and that NOAA Fisheries Service asked it to continue checking on the dolphin and to report any change in condition.
A necropsy determined the dolphin suffered from a series of chronic conditions, including stomach ulcers and kidney stones.
