A dolphin stranded on a tidal flat in Wenling City, Zhejiang Province, found a second chance at life thanks to the swift action of local residents and authorities.
On Sunday morning, villagers in the coastal town of Binhai discovered the distressed marine mammal struggling on the mudflats as the tide receded. The dolphin was visibly weak, with labored breathing and dry skin—a sign of prolonged exposure out of water.
Responding promptly to the call for help, firefighters, police, and local volunteers joined forces to rescue the stranded creature. They carefully moved the dolphin towards the water, gently patting it to provide comfort and reduce stress.
Understanding the dolphin needed immediate attention beyond the shallow waters, fishery experts soon arrived on the scene. Collaborating with the rescue team, they secured the dolphin onto a fishing vessel. Navigating through the coastal waters, they released the dolphin back into the deeper, open sea where it could safely swim away.
Experts speculate that the dolphin may have lost its way due to a disorder in its biological navigation system during the ebbing tide. Such incidents highlight the challenges marine wildlife face in coastal environments altered by natural and human factors.
The successful rescue underscores the importance of community involvement and coordinated efforts in wildlife conservation. It serves as a reminder of the vital role local communities play in protecting and preserving marine life along China's extensive coastline.
Reference(s):
Stranded dolphin rescued in coastal town in E China, released into sea
cgtn.com
