When fishermen found the Irrawaddy dolphin calf that was sick and too weak to swim, it was drowning in a tidal pool on a shore in Thailand.
As specified in a Phys.org report, the fishermen quickly alerted marine conservationists who taught them how to provide emergency care until a team of rescuers "could transport the baby to Thailand's Marine and Coaster Resources Research and Development Center" for veterinary care.
The baby was named Paradon, roughly translated as a "brotherly burden" since those involved knew from the start that saving his life would not be an easy task.
Essentially, Irrawaddy dolphins considered a valuable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are spotted in the shallow costa waters of South and Southeast Asia in three rivers located in Cambodia, Indonesia, and Myanmar. Their survival is endangered by the loss of habitats, illegal fishing, and pollution.
Irrawaddy Dolphins
Officials from the marine research center said they believe roughly 400 Irrawaddy dolphins stay along the easter coast of the country, connecting Cambodia.
Since Paradon was discovered by the fishermen last month, dozens of volunteers and veterinarians have helped provide care for this baby dolphin at the center.
They said among themselves that the chance of him surviving was very low, judging from his condition, veterinarian Thanaphan Chomchuen at the center said.
Typically, dolphins discovered stranded on the shore are typically in terrible conditions. The chances that these dolphins would survive are typically very, very low. However, explained the veterinarian, they gave him the best try on that day.
The Whales and Dolphins Conservation website describes Irrawaddy dolphins as being "found in small groups of six or fewer," although up to 25 have been identified to gather in deep pools to fish.
They are characterized by being slow swimmers, not to mention, avoiding boats. These dolphins do not bow-ride, and in general, they dive when they're frightened.
Feeding Milk by Tube
Workers placed the baby dolphin in a seawater pool, treated the lung infection that caused him to fall very ill and weak, and have volunteers enlisted to watch him round the clock.
Volunteers need to hold the dolphin up in his tank to prevent him from drowning. He is also fed milk by tube.
A staff veterinarian and one or two volunteers each stay for an eight-hour shift, and other workers during the day are handling the water pump and filtering and making milk for the baby dolphin.
After one month, the condition of Paradon is improving. The calf believed to be from four to six months old can already swim and doesn't exhibit any signs of infection.
The sick and weakened Irrawaddy dolphin calf was drowning in a tidal pool when fishermen found him. The calf is still weak but can now swim on his own after a month of tube feedings of milk and round-the-clock care at a marine research center in Thailand. https://t.co/yVbo2hePRG
— The Associated Press (@AP) August 27, 2022
In a report from The Associated Press, a volunteer said the baby dolphin does not eat adequately but wants to play, instead. She said she is worried that the animal does not get enough nutrition.
Related information about Irrawaddy dolphin calves is shown on Kritters Club's YouTube video below:
Check out more news and information on Dolphins in Science Times.
