Dolphin dies 5 days after being rescued in Ilocos Norte
REHAB. Volunteers provide supportive care to a stranded dolphin off Currimao, Ilocos Norte on Saturday (May 3, 2025). The dolphin, named “April-May,” died on Monday morning (May 5), five days after it was rescued in Pangil Beach. (Contributed photo from BFAR)
CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte — A stranded female pantropical spotted dolphin died on Monday, five days after being rescued here.
Vanessa Abigail Dagdagan-Alimbuyuguen, provincial fishery officer, said the dolphin died at 5:10 a.m. while being treated at a makeshift rehabilitation center.
Personnel from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Mariano Marcos State University, Laoag City Veterinary Office, Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network, provincial and local government units, and several volunteers teamed up and tried to save the dolphin named “April-May.”
According to Alimbuyuguen, the death of “April-May” has inspired them to further improve their response to dolphin strandings in the future.
“Various stakeholders have committed to help in the stranding response. We hope that our plans and programs to mitigate stranding cases in Ilocos Norte will be realized the soonest,” she said.
The Mariano Marcos State University, through its president – Dr. Virgilio Julius Manzano, has committed to put up a rehabilitation facility for stranded marine animals within six months.
BFAR, the congressional office of the Second District of Ilocos Norte, provincial and municipal local government units, student volunteers, and a private animal clinic in nearby Batac City promised to assist in the rescue and rehabilitation.
Data shows that the Badoc-Currimao grid in Ilocos Norte is the most frequent stranding site in the Philippines.
“Marine mammal strandings in the Philippines is now a common phenomenon that occurs throughout its coastlines, and is obviously being addressed proactively,” said Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, head of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
The doctor came from Metro Manila to share his expertise in looking after “April-May.”
Responders are advised to approach the stranded animal with care by walking towards the center of the animal only.
This step is based on an infographic released by the University of the Philippines’ Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology on the basics of marine mammal emergency first response.
They are also told to call for trained responders, protect the blowhole, and not to touch the eyes or lift or pull the pectoral fin.
They should also support the animal in an upright position and keep its skin wet.
The responders are also advised to avoid crowding, minimize noise, and shield the animal from the sun, wind or cold to avoid causing further stress or injury.
