Volunteers sought to take care of stranded dolphin in Pangasinan

DAGUPAN CITY – Pangasinan marine experts are looking for volunteers who would help take care of “Tala,” a stranded rough-toothed dolphin now undergoing rehabilitation in a pen at the Hundred Islands National Park (HINP) in Alaminos City.

“We need as many volunteers as we can for Tala, who needs care 24 hours a day,” said Vicky Hilarion, a staff member of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources station at Lucap Wharf.

As many as three volunteers are required for three-hour shifts during daytime, and five volunteers for night duties in order to keep tabs on the dolphin which was found stranded at the Bolo Beach on July 2.

“There should always be someone in the water to ensure that the mammal won’t drown,” Hilarion said. Tala has not been able to balance itself in the water and could drown if water enters its blowhole, she said.

Hilarion said many universities have called to offer help. On Wednesday morning (July 18), three volunteers from the Ocean Adventure theme park and two volunteers from the Central Luzon State University arrived to take part in “Tala’s” rehabilitation.

CLSU veterinarian Samantha Licudine said the dolphin was in pain, “but we could not yet determine where the trauma is coming from.”

She said it was likely “Tala” suffered a miscarriage because she had been expelling placenta.

“Tala” has survived for 16 days and her BFAR caretakers are hoping that the dolphin could be released back to the sea.