Rough-toothed Dolphin Rescued in Sinait

Sinait, Ilocos Sur (PNA) — A rough toothed dolphin, more than one meter long was rescued Friday in the coastal village of Pug-os, Sinait, Ilocos Sur after it was spotted by a jogger near the shoreline.

A report from volunteer responders from the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network-Region 1 and Ilocos Norte chapters said the dolphin was sighted at about 5:30 am on Friday.

As of press time, the rescued marine animal is still being rehabilitated by volunteer workers including Dr. Jeneveve Suliva, from the neighboring Ilocos Norte Provincial Veterinary Office, Arthur Valente from the Ilocos Norte Provincial Fisheries and the local government unit of Sinait led by mayor Marlon Ines.

According to Valente, the stranded dolphin appears to have no injury but it is dehydrated and has apparently lost its buoyancy. Hence, a makeshift floater composed of recycled plastic bottles was made by responders to assist the stranded dolphin until it can manage to swim to its own.

Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, a national expert on marine mammals who was on his way to Pagudpud town in Ilocos Norte on Friday also dropped by in Sinait town to help revive the dolphin.

Aragones is in Ilocos region, known as the country’s major hot spot in marine mammal stranding, to meet with Pagudpud officials led by mayor Marlon Sales to discuss proper conservation and protection efforts on endangered marine animals particularly humpback whales which are frequent visitors in the area. (PNA) LAM/LGA/PJN