Not much hope for stranded dolphin

Students at UMS looking after the dolphin

KOTA KINABALU: One can only hope for the best for a male dolphin that was stranded in reefs near Likas Bay three days ago.

Sabah Wildlife Department assistant director Dr Sen Nathan said the mammal was believed to have suffered from chronic bacterial, virus or parasitic infection.

“That’s what made it too weak to go against the currents causing it to be stranded in the shallow areas,” he said.

The Risso's dolphin has been moved to the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Dr Sen said marine biologists had given the dolphin antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, appetite stimulants and vitamins.

“Realistically, its chances for recovery is slim as with any other stranded marine mammal. But we can only hope for the best,” he said.

The dolphin was spotted at a reef area in the Likas Bay about 5.30am on Friday and the department was immediately alerted about its presence.

The department contacted marine biologists at UMS who immediately rushed to the area and provided initial treatment before transporting it to a tank at the BMRI.