Friday, November 13, 2009

Move over Wyland -- the subjects of your life's work are picking up the brush, too.

Moonshine, a rough-toothed dolphin rescued off Marathon in 2003, is proving that humans are not the only mammals with creative skills.

The dolphin has joined a host of other animals, including cats, primates, horses and elephants, whose keepers are capitalizing on their artistic talents.

Mote Marine Laboratory has posted one of Moonshine's paintings on the online auction site eBay. Proceeds from the sale of his artwork will benefit the nonprofit dolphin, whale and turtle rehabilitation facility in Sarasota, where Moonshine now lives. The opening bid is $300 and the auction closes on Sunday.

Moonshine paints as often as once week, but is not on a strict schedule, as part of the mental stimulation exercises the facility's dolphin experts have designed for the marine mammals, Mote spokeswoman Hayley Rutger said.

"We do things to stimulate their minds," Rutger said. "It's all part of good mental health. We try to do things that encourage both mental and physical health."

Moonshine makes horizontal streaks and scattered dabs when he paints, and doesn't seem to prefer any particular color as far as the Mote staff can tell, Rutger said. Dolphin behaviorists are not sure how well dolphins can even see color.

Moonshine's auction painting, titled "Sunset," can be found on eBay using the identification number 28042014222 or typing "Moonshine Dolphin" in the search engine or going directly to Mote's eBay store at stores.ebay.com/Mote-Marine-Laboratory-Fundraising.

Moonshine was taken to a Layton research facility after beaching himself on a sandbar near Sunrise Island off Marathon in May 2003. The 5-foot, 4-inch, 125-pound dolphin, estimated to be 2 years old at the time, suffered from dehydration and severe sunburn.

Moonshine was moved to Mote for rehabilitation, but his human attachments became too great for him to ever be released.

Rough-toothed dolphins are known for their distinct streak along the spine that sweeps up into the dark dorsal fin. The species is particularly vocal and active at the surface, and is known for its high jumps, forward flips and bow rides. Pods can reach up to 50 members, but most swim in families of five to 15.

tohara@keysnews.com