Patong lifeguards rescue stranded young dolphin
A young dolphin found stranded on Patong Beach is receiving veterinary care after lifeguards provided first aid and marine officials moved it to a facility in Cape Panwa.
A young dolphin found stranded on Patong Beach in Kathu district has been taken to a marine research facility for veterinary care, The Phuket News reported.
Patong lifeguards kept the dolphin wet with seawater, covered it with damp cloths to prevent overheating and monitored its condition while waiting for marine experts. They also cordoned off the area to prevent people from approaching and causing further stress.
Officials from the Andaman Sea Marine and Coastal Resources Research and Development Center in Phuket later transported the dolphin, with help from Phuket Kusoldharm Foundation rescue workers from the Patong branch, to the centre's facility at Cape Panwa in Wichit.
Veterinarians carried out a full health assessment to check the calf's physical condition, identify injuries and determine the treatment required. It remains under 24-hour observation by veterinarians and marine specialists, who hope it will recover sufficiently to be released into the wild.
Officials urged the public not to handle or feed stranded marine animals, including dolphins, whales, dugongs and sea turtles. Anyone who finds an injured or stranded animal should notify the relevant authorities immediately so trained personnel can provide care.
