“HEART,” the 100-kilo rough-toothed dolphin, that was stranded off the coastal waters of Agno town, has found a new home at the Ocean Adventure facility for better care.

Initially discovered in Barangay Boboy, Agno, on February 14, the dolphin was brought to and cared for at the marine rehabilitation pen of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) at the RMATDEC-Satellite Station in Carias, Hundred Islands National Park in Alaminos City. It was released back into the ocean on February 18, aimed at allowing it to roam freely.

However, its release turned into a quick swim test as it was found re-stranded on February 19 in the coastal waters of Bolasi, San Fabian town. Despite being in good shape and not requiring emergency care, BFAR assessed that “Heart” might not be robust enough to face the open sea.

To ensure its survival, the decision was made to transfer the dolphin to Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay, where adequate veterinary care is available. On February 20, “Heart” found a new home at the Ocean Adventure facility in Subic Bay Freeport in Bataan.

BFAR-Region I decided to relocate the 2.5-meter long dolphin to Ocean Adventure because it seemed unable to survive in the wild. The process involved a “nerve-wracking” night for the responders as they dry-transported “Heart” by land in a reefer van.

“This is the first-ever and longest dry transport of a marine mammal. It was sedated and laid on a foam mattress, and we had to check his respiration rate every five minutes,” said Dr. Hasmin Chogsayan, BFAR I veterinarian.

The team consistently sprayed seawater on the animal to keep it wet throughout the trip from 9:10 pm on February 19 until 1:30 am on February 20.

“We carried a tank of seawater in the reefer van,” added Margirie Abasolo, a responder from BFAR. The team remained awake until “Heart” was released into a pen at Ocean Adventure, where it immediately started to swim.  (Eva Visperas)

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