Dolphin rescued near Tuaran

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KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) yesterday rescued an adult dolphin off Pulau Gandang near Tuaran yesterday.

SWD senior veterinarian, Dr Sen Nathan told the Borneo Post when contacted last night that the dolphin was probably male, gauging from its physical condition and was stranded near the island.

“It has a few injuries on its head, which resulted possibly after being hit by a boat. It is in a bad shape and was quite dehydrated when we arrived at the scene,” he said.

He added that they were at the scene at 12 noon after receiving a call from the Fisheries Department at 11.30am.

“We stabilised the dolphin and administered drugs but it is difficult to say if it will make it for now. The next 24 hours to 48 hours will be critical for the mammal, particularly if it suffered from internal injuries. Our prognosis, as of this moment, is still not good. Once it begins feeding however, then we can say that it will be alright,” he explained.

The dolphin was transported to the Universiti Malaysia Sabah’s Borneo Marine Research Institute where it is now being placed under observation.

“The facility at the university is the best venue for the injured dolphin. Moreover, the team there are experienced in caring for injured dolphins as they have been through it before,” he said.

In relations to the incident, SWD may next year sent some of its staffs for training at the Ocean Park Hong Kong.

“This (Dealing with injured dolphins) is a new thing for us, it is a new territory. We hope to send some of our staffs there for training next year.”