Kota Kinabalu: A 3-metre dolphin was found stranded by villagers along the rocky shoreline near Kg Teluk Likas, here, Thursday. It was found weak with bodily injuries and was in need of immediate medical treatment and rehabilitation. Wildlife Officers from the department's Rescue Unit weree rushed to the scene after receiving a tip off about 9am to carry out a rescue operation.
ADVERTISEMENT
Its Director William Baya said they are working closely with Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Borneo Marine Research Institute to treat the wounded mammal. "Both our veterinary team and biologists are on the ground on the rescue effort," he said in a statement, here.
At press time, the dolphin was still being cared for and would likely be transferred to the Marine Research facility for advance treatment. Rescue operation leader, Dr Sandy Ling described the dolphin's situation "as really very serious, weak and was not eating," adding they are doing the best they can, along with the Borneo Marine Research Institute to keep it alive.
ADVERTISEMENT
Meanwhile, more than 90 per cent of dolphin beaching in Sabah has seen efforts to care for them fail, said Assistant Director Dr Sen Nathan. It was reported earlier a whale shark fish was also spotted by divers and island-goers off Pulau Sapi last Saturday.
ADVERTISEMENT
Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
Sighting of the large animal is common this time of the year and is known to make their appearance in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park between January and April. There had also been a couple of instances of whale sharks found stranded off the coastal areas here in the past.