DENPASAR (27/04/2021) – 7 bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops Aduncus) at Mertasari Beach, Bali, were evacuated to Bali Exotic Marine Park. The decision for evacuation was made following the order of the Director-General of KSDAE Number: S.577/MENLHK-KSDAE/KKH/KSA.2/4/2021 dated April 16, 2021, concerning Warning Letter I to PT. Piayu Samudera Bali.
The order came after public outrage concerning alleged animal abuse. The BKSDA office arranged for a Joint Marine Rescue Task Force from various qualified organisations. Personnels were chosen from the Marine Police, BKSDA office, Marine Guard Foundation, Bali Exotic Marine Park (BEMP), and Turtle Education & Conservation Centre (TCEC) and some volunteers from the local community. The dolphins were evacuated by boat and truck in an operation that lasted for 16 hours.
A group of Volunteers on a rescue boat.
7 Dolphins, consisting of two females and five males were safely transported to an official conservation institution, Bali Exotic Marine Park. The site was chosen because it fulfils all legal and technical requirements, with adequate facilities, infrastructure, and expertise to handle the animals and ensure maximum animal welfare under human care. Upon arrival, blood samples were taken for testing and the Dolphins were put under close health observation, especially because the rescue team were denied access to past medical records.
Medical team noticed several symptoms that worsen over weeks, leading up to the death of two dolphins on two separate incidents, months apart. The symptoms included severe & continuous vomiting and limp movements. Necropsy was swiftly carried out by Marine Guard Foundation at BEMP facility on both incidents. Organ failure was identified as the cause of death. The remaining five Dolphins are currently healthy and thriving at BEMP as of 25 January 2022.
For information, Bottlenose Dolphins are a protected species in Indonesia according to the Minister of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number: P.106/Menlhk/Setjen/Kum.1/12/2018. IUCN red list categorized it as unknown or near threatened.
Author: Marine Guard Foundation (Denpasar, 25-01-2022)
