DOLPHIN & MARINE MAMMAL HOSPITAL OPENING AT HARBOR BRANCH OCEANOGRAPHIC FORT PIERCE, FL. Ð Stranded or injured dolphins and whales will soon have an emergency treatment facility available to them when the first phase of the "Protect Wild Dolphins" Hospital opens Wednesday at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. It will be the only facility of its kind on Florida's east coast, and will eliminate the need to transport injured marine mammals on life-threatening trips to facilities that are across the state, and often hours away. A news conference and walk-through of the new facility will start at noon, Wednesday, March 1, at the site on the southeast corner of the Harbor Branch Oceanographic campus. Dolphin Research Program Director Steve McCulloch will conduct the tour and be available for interviews, along with state Representative Rick Minton and others. Alexandra Cousteau, granddaughter of famed undersea explorer Jacques-Yves Cousteau, will also be on hand to lend support and talk about the importance of such a facility. Alexandra has recently formed the Cousteau Family Foundation to carry on the legacy of her grandfather. The Harbor Branch Dolphin Rescue Unit, a unique marine mammal ambulance that was used for the first time when a pygmy whale stranded itself on Jensen Beach this month, will be on display as well. "This is an important next step that not only helps us to understand and care for sick or injured dolphins, but also helps us better understand what's happening to the oceans they live in," McCulloch said. A unique product developed by a company called Biologics that is used to treat human burn victims will be incorporated into the dolphin ambulance. Called an "airloss therapy bed", it helps cool the animals as well as suspend them during transport in a way that simulates their ocean environment. Architect Paul Neff, president of Peacock & Lewis, will unveil the conceptual drawings for the larger, long-term marine mammal medical and science center currently under construction. Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution, Inc. is one of the world's leading nonprofit oceanographic research organizations dedicated to the exploration of the earth's oceans, estuaries and coastal regions for the benefit of mankind.