Kota Kinabalu: The Sabah Wildlife Department's Wildlife Rescue team assisted a bruised, stranded dolphin at Borneo Sulaman Corp, Pulau Gandang (near the end of Sulaman Road, Tuaran) which was then transferred to University Malaysia Sabah's Borneo Marine Research Institute, Wednesday.Its Chief Field Veterinarian, Dr Sen Nathan, said the Fisheries department informed him about it at 11.30am.Antibiotics, pain killers and other drugs were used to treat the injured dolphin.
ADVERTISEMENT
"There were some minor cuts, very minor bleeding but that was more of abrasion with the sand when it was beached.""We suspect the poor thing was hit by a boat," Dr Sen said.
The Dolphin is safe but the next 24 hours would be critical."With the increase in the number of marine mammals involved in accidents and injuries, we are thinking of sending our staff to Hong Kong's Ocean Park for training," he said.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Saleem Mustafa, University Malaysia Sabah's Director of Borneo Marine Research Institute said the dolphin is believed to be a resident population of the Spinner dolphin."It is a mature adult about two meters long and is currently inside the hatchery tank."
ADVERTISEMENT
"When it was first transferred here, it seemed disoriented, but within half an hour, it showed signs of improvement. It was in better condition as I saw it was swimming all over the place. However, further examination will be conducted the next day, he said. "We will also know whether it is male or female after conducting some tests.Saleem continued to explain that he saw bruises on the mouth region( beak), but did not see any bleeding.We will be keeping it for a few weeks. If it shows any signs of infection, it will be quarantined.
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
The dolphin must be kept for at least 24 hours to monitor its progress.Vouching for its survival, he added that if it is taking an interest in eating, that will be the first indication of its improvement.
