Malaysia: Dolphin found stranded in Likas Bay

STEPHANIE LEE The Star 19 Mar 15;

KOTA KINABALU: A team of biologists are frantically trying to save a stranded dolphin that was found in shallow waters near Likas Bay not far from here.

Villagers found the dolphin, measuring three metres and believed to be a female, at a reef area barely able to move at about 5.30am on Thursday.

They called the Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Marine Research Unit and the Wildlife Department for help.

UMS staff and students transferred the dolphin ‎using a boat and placed it in waters within the varsity compound for observation.

Lecturer Dr John Madin from the Marine Research said the dolphin was in a weak condition.

Students of UMS are helping to keep the dolphin alive with a veterinarian from the wildlife ‎department.

Wounded dolphin stranded in Likas waters
AVILA GERALDINE New Straits Times 19 Mar 15;
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‎KOTA KINABALU: A wounded dolphin was found stranded in shallow waters near Likas here, this morning.

Villagers discovered the 3-m long dolphin stuck at a reef area at about 5.30am and immediately informed the Marine Research Unit of Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

‎UMS staff and students transferred the dolphin ‎using a boat and placed it at waters within the varsity compound for observation.

Lecturer Dr John Madin from the Marine Research said the dolphin, believed female, was in a weak condition.

"Our students are helping it to keep afloat so it will not drown," he said when met at UMS.

A veteranian from the ‎department was also there to check on its condition.‎

Not much hope for stranded dolphin
RUBEN SARIO The Star 20 Mar 15;

KOTA KINABALU: One can only hope for the best for a male dolphin that was stranded in reefs near Likas Bay three days ago.

Sabah Wildlife Department assistant director Dr Sen Nathan said the mammal was believed to have suffered from chronic bacterial, virus or parasitic infection.

“That’s what made it too weak to go against the currents causing it to be stranded in the shallow areas,” he said.

The Risso's dolphin has been moved to the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Dr Sen said marine biologists had given the dolphin antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, appetite stimulants and vitamins.

“Realistically, its chances for recovery is slim as with any other stranded marine mammal. But we can only hope for the best,” he said.

The dolphin was spotted at a reef area in the Likas Bay about 5.30am on Friday and the department was immediately alerted about its presence.

The department contacted marine biologists at UMS who immediately rushed to the area and provided initial treatment before transporting it to a tank at the BMRI.

Rescuers hope sick dolphin will live
The Star 21 Mar 15;

KOTA KINABALU: Marine biologists are keeping their fingers crossed that a male dolphin found floundering in shallow waters of the Likas Bay will survive

The risso dolphin has since been moved to the Borneo Marine Research Institute at Universiti Malaysia Sabah.

Sabah Wildlife Department assistant director Dr Sen Nathan said the dolphin was believed to have suffered a chronic bacterial, virus or parasitic infection.

“That’s what made it too weak to go against the water current, causing it to be stranded in the shallow areas,” he said.

“Realistically, its chances for recovery is slim as with any other stranded marine mammal. But we will hope for the best,” Sen said.