By Stephen Nohlgren, Times Staff Writer

Times Staff Writer

CLEARWATER — Dunham, an injured dolphin that was nursed back to health for seven months and released Tuesday amid media hoopla, was attacked and killed later in the day by a large shark.

Jeni Hatten, spokeswoman for the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, which staged the release, confirmed the shark attack but declined to provide details until a news conference scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

Dunham was rescued in December off Anclote Key, emaciated and battered with cuts. He was estimated to be 6 to 9 years old. Aquarium staffers injected him with antibiotics and sent him to Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City, where his weight grew from 245 to 275 pounds.

He was released Tuesday morning from Honeymoon Island, with television and print media taking video. He joined a pod of passing dolphin and headed south toward Clearwater Beach.

He dorsal fin was marked with white and he carried a radio transmitter so aquarium staff could monitor his progress.

At some point, he surfaced bloody and in great distress. Within seconds a shark smashed into him, exposing his spine.

He was recaptured and euthanized.

[Last modified: Jul 28, 2009 04:10 PM]