Stranded dolphin rescued, another dies in Ilocos region

A spinner dolphin (186 centimeters in length) was rescued from the shore of Sual town in Pangasinan province. It was brought to a BFAR facility in Alaminos City for rehabilitation. (Photo by Willie Lomibao)

ALAMINOS CITY – A baby Risso’s dolphin died in Badoc, Ilocos Sur on Monday (June 27) while an adult spinner dolphin is being rehabilitated at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) facility in this city after the marine mammals were found stranded on the beach.

Although both dolphins were stranded almost at the same time, their condition may not be the same, BFAR veterinarian Hasmine Chogsoyan explained.

The Risso’s dolphin, which was found by local fishermen, was already weak and had a “peanut head,” a condition referring to the extreme loss of fat around its head, making it look sunken and concave.

According to Chogsoyan, the dolphin which was named “Vicky,” died while the BFAR staff were trying to rehabilitate her.

The carcass of the 1.47-meter long baby dolphin will be preserved and studied by the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, she said.

Meanwhile, Chogsoyan said the spinner dolphin had scratches around its body and had lost its buoyancy.

It was found by children along the coastal area of Barangay Baquioen, Sual town at 9 a.m. on Tuesday (June 28).

The children asked help from the barangay officials, who released it back to the sea after an hour.

However, the dolphin returned to the same beach area and was given first aid before it was released again.

But on the same day at 4 p.m., the dolphin was found stranded again in a nearby village, prompting residents to bring it to the BFAR facility in Alaminos City for rehabilitation.

Dr. Samantha Licudine of the Pangasinan provincial veterinary office said the dolphin was intubated and was given antibiotics.

She said the marine mammal needed support to stay afloat as it had lost its buoyancy. INQ

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Stranded dolphin rescued in Pangasinan

JMS