Viral videos prompt investigation while expert cautions against improper handling
KOTA KINABALU: Viral videos showing a dolphin stranded along the beach in Karambunai have prompted investigations, with officials confirming that a report has been received.
The incident is believed to have occurred yesterday, although the exact time could not be ascertained.
Several videos circulating on social media show the dolphin is alive but struggling on the shoreline, while another clip is of a young man pulling the animal by its tail back into the sea.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar, when contacted, said the department was aware of the incident and would provide further updates once all information had been verified.
Universiti Malaysia Sabah Borneo Marine Research Institute director Assoc Prof Dr Ching Fui Fui said dolphin strandings were a phenomenon observed worldwide, including in Sabah’s waters.
“There are actually many possible reasons why a dolphin becomes stranded.
“It can be biological factors such as illness, old age or being too young, behavioural and social factors, and environmental and anthropogenic influences such as pollution and noise from human activities,” she said.
She added that geomorphological conditions, such as shallow or gently sloping beaches, could also contribute to such incidents.
Ching noted that dolphin strandings had become more frequent over the past few years, adding that the Sabah Wildlife Department had established a careline for the public to report such cases.
On whether it was appropriate for civilians to pull a stranded dolphin back into the sea, she said returning the animal to the water could help prevent dehydration and thermal stress, as dolphins should not be left dry without water contact on their bodies.
However, Ching cautioned that handling must be kept to a minimum and done correctly, as improper or rough handling could cause additional stress to the dolphin.
