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Rescued Whales Showing Signs Of Improvement

MIAMI (CBSMiami/AP) – Five pilot whales which stranded themselves on a South Florida beach along with 22 others are doing better after being hydrated with fish smoothies through a feeding tube every four hours and monitoring their activity levels around the clock.

The whales were the only ones to survive after a group came ashore.

Two calves and three juveniles were transported to Florida Atlantic University's Harbor Branch Institute for rehabilitation Saturday and experts say the animals are worn out, but mostly doing well.

Dr. Michelle Davis, a senior veterinarian for SeaWorld Orlando said some of the whales have had an increased respiratory rate at times, causing them to float away from the group and become less active.

It's unclear why the whale pod stranded at Avalon Beach State Park in St. Lucie County.

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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