Dolphin. AFP FILE PHOTO
LUCENA CITY, Philippines–At least two injured dolphins were rescued by fishermen off the village of Talao-Talao facing Tayabas Bay Friday morning, a village official said.
Reil Briones, village head of Barangay Talao-Talao, said the sea creatures were found on the shore by villagers who immediately notified local officials. The animals had minor bruises on their bodies.
He said one of the dolphins measured 152 centimeters long (1.52 meters) while the other one was 202 cms (2.2 meters).
“The fishermen in our village are aware that dolphins are included in the list of protected species and that it is against the law to capture and butcher them,” Briones, who is also a local radio broadcaster, told the Inquirer over the phone.
He said he immediately contacted the city veterinarian’s office for treatment of the injured dolphins and reported the incident to local environment officials for documentation.
“As soon as the authorities declare that they are fit to be returned to the sea, we will immediately release them back to their natural habitat,” Briones said.
It was the third time dolphins had washed ashore at Talao-Talao. In both previous instances, the dolphins were released back to the sea.