Dolphin Project Aids Local Villagers

In these challenging times, I am happy to share that our three rescued dolphins, Rocky, Rambo and Johnny, continue to make good progress on their path of healing. They thoroughly enjoy their time together, spending the days diving deep, playing vigorously and being nourished by the fresh, live fish provided to them by their team of 24/7 caregivers.

Johnny leads Rocky and Rambo in play, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

As the area of our sanctuary borders with a national park, it is always quiet in the vicinity. Normally, a few boats pass by in the bay, however as the area beach is closed to outsiders, the boats have not been seen. What can be heard are sounds from local wildlife, including those of Rocky, Rambo and Johnny as they inhale and exhale, in-between dives. We also hear them splashing as they jump and move full-speed through the seapen. Often Rocky is the one going in “fast mode”, with Rambo and Johnny striving to keep up with him, but lately we’re seeing Johnny taking the lead in play. It’s amazing to witness how much Johnny has changed, how confident he has become and how comfortable he is, having friends to swim and play with.

The devastating effects of COVID-19 can be felt in the local villages. Here, people have lost their jobs and while family would usually step in and care for others in need, now, many people struggle just to survive themselves. Our team has reached out to help the people in the village with the distribution of masks and survival packages containing food for those most in need. The local community has also requested our assistance in helping rehabilitate wild animals which have been kept as pets, realizing the inherent dangers of this practice. We are pleased to offer assistance to all animals in need.

Our team hands out masks to villagers in need, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

A snake once kept as a pet is rescued by our team, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Our team rescues a monkey once held as a pet, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Featured image: Our team helps to distribute masks and food to local villagers in need, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

YOUR HELP HAS NEVER BEEN MORE NEEDED

DONATE TODAY

The Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center and Camp Lumba Lumba Readaptation and Release Center form an incredible partnership with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry of the Republic of Indonesia, BKSDA Bali, Dolphin Project, Jakarta Animal Aid Network, Karimunjawa National Park and the West Bali National Park. Together, we built Umah Lumba, the world’s only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for previously captive dolphins and Camp Lumba Lumba, the world’s first permanent facility dedicated to the readaptation and release of dolphins in Kemujan, Karimun Jawa. Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project has pioneered readaptation for captive dolphins and has released a number of dolphins into the wild.