RECOVERING After being stranded in the shallow waters off Pangasinan province multiple times, this male rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis) named “Hart” has been placed under the care of Ocean Adventure’s facility in Subic Bay Freeport. In this photo taken on Feb. 20, Hart is given round-the-clock attention while his swimming pattern and health status are closely monitored. —OCEAN ADVENTURE
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—A stranded male rough-toothed dolphin has been placed under the care of Ocean Adventure’s animal care team inside this free port after several failed attempts to return it to its natural habitat.
The dolphin was initially assisted by local fishermen in Pangasinan on Feb. 14, when it was stranded at Barangay Aloleng in Agno town.
His rescuers gave him the name “Hart,” a wordplay for “heart,” as he was found on Valentine’s Day.
Despite efforts to release him back into the waters, Hart restranded the following day in the waters off Barangay Boboy in the same town, indicating he likely had health issues.
Recognizing the urgency, authorities relocated Hart to Ilocos region’s Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) rehabilitation pen in Cariaz Island, Alaminos City, also in Pangasinan, for intensive care and monitoring before he was sent off to sea anew.
Limited resources
However, Hart was again stranded in another Pangasinan town, San Fabian, on Feb. 19, prompting his transfer to Ocean Adventure’s facility.
Citing the limited resources of BFAR, the agency recommended Hart’s transfer to Ocean Adventure, a marine theme park where specialized care could be administered.
The facility’s animal care team is providing tailored treatment, including antibiotics, liver support, electrolytes and supplements, as well as physical therapy to address health concerns.
READ: Stranded dolphin rescued in Pangasinan
Ocean Adventure is an open-water marine theme park at Subic Bay Freeport. The facility, on its website, described itself as a “leader in animal care and welfare” that has a team of environmentalists and conservationists actively protecting marine and wildlife, while offering wholesome entertainment to the public.
In an interview on Monday, Robert Gonzaga, president and CEO of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc. that operates Ocean Adventure, said BFAR and the marine theme park’s facility have been collaborating to safeguard marine life and ensure successful rescue attempts.
He cited the facility’s commitment to providing the best care possible for Hart and other distressed marine mammals under its care. INQ