Rambo Departs from the Umah Lumba Center

A little over 10 months since three confiscated dolphins were offered their freedom, Rambo, the last remaining dolphin residing near the release site has chosen to depart.

Background

On September 3, 2022, the gate was opened at the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center, offering freedom to Rocky, Rambo and Johnny, the three confiscated dolphins who had been in our care for nearly three years. The Center, located in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali, Indonesia, is the first and only permanent dolphin rehabilitation, release and retirement facility for formerly performing dolphins. It was a soft release, meaning the three dolphins could choose to leave the area, or stay near the Center.

In the weeks following the release, Johnny and Rambo spent their time exploring the immediate area, deciding to remain in the calm waters of the National Park. They were very active, exploring all the different parts of the surrounding bays and offshore island, but always remaining in the vicinity of the original release site and close to shore. Rocky chose to separate from the group, leaving Bali and traveling for more than 1200 kilometers along the southern part of Java. His tracking showed very deliberate patterns of movement, which looked as if he may have joined another pod.

From being held captive in a hotel swimming pool:

Rocky, Rambo and Johnny were routinely exploited at the now-shuttered Melka Excelsior Hotel, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

To rehabilitating at the Umah Lumba Center:

Johnny, Rocky and Rambo swim at the Umah Lumba Center, Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Minister of Forestry and Environment for the Republic of Indonesia, Dr. Ir. Siti Nurbaya, M.Sc officially opened the gate and offered the dolphins their freedom. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Nearly two months to the day of release, on November 1, 2022, Johnny passed away at the Umah Lumba Center, where he chose to return. For over three years, Johnny had rehabilitated and thrived at the Center, and upon his release, had spent time exploring the nearby waters and in the company of other dolphins. A necropsy (autopsy) was performed by our staff veterinarian, Deny Rahmadani DVM and his veterinary team, revealing that Johnny had succumbed to a fatal respiratory infection. Based on physical appearance, known time in captivity and a post-mortem examination of the cross section of his teeth, Johnny was estimated to be 40+ years old at the time of his passing.

Since Johnny’s passing, Rambo remained in the national park waters, exploring the vast expanse of the area and adapting to a solitary existence. He was closely monitored by our surveillance team, and was observed energetic, curious and in good physical health.

Johnny swims at the Umah Lumba Center. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Present

On June 17, our team was delighted to observe Rambo swimming with a small pod of wild bottlenose dolphins (three in total) near Menjangan Island, just west of the Umah Lumba Center. After this sighting, he was still seen daily in the national park.

Again, on July 19, at approximately 10:00 a.m. local time, Rambo left the bay he had called home since his confiscation. Later that day, Rambo was observed swimming with five bottlenose dolphins once again, near Menjangan Island. Since this last sighting, Rambo has not returned.

Daily monitoring by Dolphin Project’s surveillance team. Credit: DolphinProject.com

“This pioneer work is still in its infancy, and we have all learned a great deal during the journey. This particular model — the Umah Lumba Center, and the protocol we are developing can be implemented anywhere there is government cooperation. That’s the most exciting part.” ~ Ric O’Barry, Founder/Director of Dolphin Project

All signs point to Rambo joining up with a pod of wild bottlenose dolphins, and we remain optimistic that Rambo has now found other dolphins to socialize with. Since his departure, an increase in wild dolphins in the area, which continues to this day has been noted. While the entire team at the Umah Lumba Center will miss his fun-loving presence, we couldn’t be happier with this outcome. We will continue to conduct regular surveillance and will update if Rambo is seen.

Rambo swims in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

“It was an incredible journey to see the dolphins freed from the horrific swimming pool in which they suffered so much, to them thriving — happy and healthy  — and readapting to their existence, in their own way. Rambo always was the most careful one. He really took his time to get familiar with every aspect of being free and independent. Him leaving in the way that he did, in proximity with other bottlenose dolphins, well, it just couldn’t be better.” ~ Femke den Haas, Indonesia Campaign Director, Dolphin Project

Donate to the Umah Lumba Center and be a Dolphin Defender!

Please consider donating to the Umah Lumba Center, where other ex-performing dolphins like Rocky, Rambo and Johnny can rehabilitate, be evaluated for possible release, or retire in peace and dignity.

Featured image: Rambo swims in Banyuwedang Bay, West Bali, Indonesia. Credit: DolphinProject.com

Related

9/3/22 – Free at Last!
9/21/22 – Update on Released Bali Dolphins
11/5/22 – Johnny Succumbs to Respiratory Illness