SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Philippines – An ailing dolphin found near a beach in Candelaria, Zambales last Thursday was reported to be doing well at the Ocean Adventure Park at the Subic Bay Freeport.
However, veterinarian Mariel Flores yesterday said that the cause of the dolphin’s illness is still being determined.
Flores said residents of Candelaria town spotted the ailing dolphin, which was being nursed by another dolphin.
Fishermen later rescued the ailing dolphin and brought it to the rehabilitation center in the Subic Park.
They said that the dolphin was too weak to swim back to the sea.
Flores said that blood, stool, and gastric samples were taken from the dolphin for testing after phlegm was found in its blowhole.
She theorized that the dolphin might have ingested some garbage in the sea which caused infection in its stomach.
Flores noted that the dolphin did not eat for at least two days, so it was force-fed with squid and herring, resulting in its improved condition.
The dolphin will be returned to the sea once it is healthy, Flores said.