© Barbara SabertonHorrific burns on Port River dolphins - the cause may never be known.
The injured dolphins, Wave and her calf Tallula are being monitored daily by Port dolphin expert Mike Bossley and Adelaide Dolphin Sanctuary staff since the lesions on the upper flank of their bodies were first seen almost two weeks ago.
Dr Bossley, director of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, said he was "more positive" about the dolphins likelihood of recovery, although the injuries were still a concern. "We've had responses from researchers and veterinarians from all over the world and it was universally acknowledged as the the worst ever injuries seen on a surviving dolphin," he said.
"I'm slightly more positive now that we've got to day 10 and they are still alive, because I feel if they were going to succumb they may have already by now.
"It would seem that Wave is feeding Tallula if Wave was too sick she couldn't provide milk but it is still a touch and go situation."
Environment Department animal welfare manager Deb Kelly ruled out any Port River industry or pollution as a cause of the burns.
However it wasn't possible to capture either dolphin to take skin samples to help determine the exact cause because it would be too distressing, she said.
