Law of the jungle

Tuesday dawned as another day of triumph for the good people at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium. Before the sun had set, however, we all learned again that nature has its own relentless dictates that can overcome even the most competent and well-intended human efforts.

On July 28 staff from the nonprofit aquarium, joined by colleagues from the Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City and the Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University, released Dunham, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin. The marine mammal had been undergoing treatment and recuperating at the Panama City marine facility for eight months after nearly succumbing to pneumonia and gastritis. He traveled by truck from North Florida Monday night and was released off the coast of Dunedin - he had been rescued near Anclote Key - the following morning.

Unfortunately, the rescuers and the news media weren't the only ones on hand. Only a few hours after being set free, Dunham was attacked by a pair of sharks. The dolphin was so badly injured biologists euthanized him.

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium and centers like it do noble work. Sometimes, however, the law of the jungle prevents happy endings Dunham's caregivers had wanted.