Exclusive: Dolphin Rescue in North Sumatra

On January 31, two Chinese white dolphins (Sousa chinensis) were spotted in a river in the Medan area, in the North Sumatra province of Indonesia. Dolphin Project’s Indonesia team, with assistance from the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) immediately responded, ready to help with the monitoring and relocation of the two dolphins.

By the time our team arrived, sadly, only one dolphin was spotted. The good news was that the juvenile demonstrated normal respiration and activity. Aside from some superficial wounds, he appeared to be in good health.

Indonesia dolphin rescue team prepares dolphin for release into open water. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Indonesia dolphin rescue team prepares dolphin for release into open water. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Stranded juvenile dolphin is brought down river for release into open water. Credit: DolphinProject.com

After an extensive search, the second dolphin was located, dead, at the bank of the river. Rescuers documented what appeared to be an extensive fracture on the dolphin’s upper body, near her blowhole.

After careful monitoring, the juvenile dolphin was deemed ready for relocation. He was driven 140 kilometers down the river and released into an area where other Chinese white dolphins had been spotted. It is our hope that the youngster will reintegrate with his pod, or another group of dolphins of the same species. Thank you to all local marine mammal responders, including the Nature Conservation Agency of North Sumatra on their efforts.

One of the two dolphins stranded was found dead, with a traumatic wound near its blowhole. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Indonesia dolphin rescue team prepares dolphin for release into open water. Credit: DolphinProject.com