The common dolphin, better know as Ginny, that was rescued in the Avalon Beach section of Kill Devil Hills late last month has died in a therapeutic aquarium in Florida.

"We're all so shocked," said Terry Behling, public relations director at the Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, Fla. "She was doing so well, it wasall so sudden."

After almost two weeks of round-the-clock care, Ginny died at 4:30 a.m. Friday, Feb 11. A necropsy, an animal form of an autopsy, later that afternoon revealed that Ginny suffered from severe congestion in the left lung, Thromboembolism of the right lung, impaction of the first stomach, and a large number of small ulcers located throughout her body. Behling also speculated that Ginny was suffering from a blood clot, but the results of that test will not be available for at least another month.

Ginny was discovered early Monday morning, Jan. 24, while N.C. Marine Patrol Officer Todd Midgett was on a routine patrol. The dolphin was moved to a public boat ramp on Bay Drive in Kill Devil Hills, and later it was transfered to the Virginia Marine Science Museum, in Virginia Beach, Va., by a marine stranding unit.

Dr. Charles Manire, staff scientist, veterinarian and animal care manager at Mote Marine Laboratory, said before Ginny died she had a great appetite and began swimming more every day.

"It is always disappointing to lose an animal that seems to be doing well and then suddenly crashes," said Manire.

The National Marine Fisheries Marine Mammal Stranding Network requests that any animals found alive or dead be reported by calling 1-252-728-8762.