The dolphin that was rescued in Daanbantayan town on Thursday, was found dead by residents on Friday morning. The sea mammal was believed to have succumbed to its injuries. | photo by Kishia Arriesgado
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Cebu — The dolphin that was first seen in the shallow waters of Daanbantayan town in northern Cebu on Thursday afternoon has died.
Danica Arcayna, the biodiversity focal person of the town’s Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) said the sea creature died on Friday morning, August 25.
Earlier, Maya Barangay Captain Ellain Conje told CDN Digital that they tried to guide the dolphin back to the deeper waters. However, it would return near the shoreline.
Conje said that one of his Bantay Dagat personnel found the creature in the coastal area of Sitio Sunflower this morning. It was already dead.
She added that they immediately reported the incident at the MENRO.
“Gikuhaan man to ug sukod sa MENRO unya gipalubong,” Conje said.
Several wounds were found on the dead dolphin’s body including this gaping wound on its tail. Wounds were also discovered on its pectoral fin and genital area. | photo by Kishia Arriesgado
Arcayna said that based on their investigation, wounds were found on the tail, genital area, and pectoral fin of the sea creature.
They believed that the dolphin might have met a predator which inflicted its wounds. The dolphin’s right eye was first reported to be blind.
The sea animal was around 167 centimeters in length and 72 centimeters in diameter.
She added that when the dolphin was first seen by residents in the area, the sea animal was already weak.
“Kung duna mo’y makit-an nga ingon ani nga mananap, buhii lang dayon ninyo balik ngadto sa dagat,” she added.
Arcayna said that the dolphin might have come from the Monad Shoal on Malapascua Island and was probably separated from its pod. /rcg
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