Pilot Whale stranded in Sanya recovered and ready for release!
2024-05-09 Source：hiHainan
On May 7, a group of experts including over 10 scientific researchers, NGO staff, and marine animal conservation representatives met in Sanya in China's southern Hainan Province to assess the health of a pilot whale that was found injured and stranded in Haitang Bay, Sanya in early January.
The team of experts met in Sanya to assess the health of a pilot whale that was found stranded in Haitang Bay in early January. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
After conducting on-site observation and evaluation, the team of experts unanimously agreed that the pilot whale, named 'Haitang', is currently in good health and is ready for release into the wild. The whale is slated for release sometime during the month of May, with the exact date of release to be decided based on sea conditions, weather, and other variables.
The team of experts conducted in-depth discussions after observing the behavior and feeding ability of 'Haitang' in the outdoor waters of Haichang, Sanya. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
At 8 AM on Jan. 3, a pilot whale was stranded in Haitang Bay, Sanya. A team of rescue personnel from several different organizations rushed to the scene to provide assistance, and transported the whale to the Haichang Ocean Park Animal Rescue Center for treatment. The whale had suffered multiple external injuries while stranded and was unable to swim on its own. In addition, it was diagnosed with a severe lung infection, dehydration, and abnormal liver and kidney function.
On Jan. 3, Sanya's Haichang Ocean Park Animal Rescue Center staff worked to save a stranded pilot whale. (Photo: New Hainan App)
After over four months of painstaking treatment and care by the staff of the rescue center, the pilot whale has returned to health. 'Haitang' has even grown bigger and stronger! When rescued, the whale measured 3.6 meters in length and had a chest circumference of 1.9 meters, but now measures 3.7 meters in length and has a chest circumference of 2 meters.
Rescue Center staff applying medication to treat the skin of the pilot whale 'Haitang' at noon on Apr. 24th. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
"Pilot Whales are relatively rare, and are classified as a national Class II protected species. They are quite large, and their chances of surviving after being stranded might not even be as high as 1%. If released successfully, 'Haitang' will be the largest whale successfully rescued in China, a truly remarkable achievement," said Cao Zheng, head of the biological conservation department of the Haichang Ocean Park Animal Rescue Center.
'Haitang' has recovered well and is feeling feisty. On the afternoon of May 7, Rescue Center staff attempted to approach the whale, but were rebuffed by a powerful tail flick. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
Hainan International Media Center Presents
Translated by Nicki Johnson
Editor: Chen Shumin
On May 7, a group of experts including over 10 scientific researchers, NGO staff, and marine animal conservation representatives met in Sanya in China's southern Hainan Province to assess the health of a pilot whale that was found injured and stranded in Haitang Bay, Sanya in early January.
The team of experts met in Sanya to assess the health of a pilot whale that was found stranded in Haitang Bay in early January. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
After conducting on-site observation and evaluation, the team of experts unanimously agreed that the pilot whale, named 'Haitang', is currently in good health and is ready for release into the wild. The whale is slated for release sometime during the month of May, with the exact date of release to be decided based on sea conditions, weather, and other variables.
The team of experts conducted in-depth discussions after observing the behavior and feeding ability of 'Haitang' in the outdoor waters of Haichang, Sanya. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
At 8 AM on Jan. 3, a pilot whale was stranded in Haitang Bay, Sanya. A team of rescue personnel from several different organizations rushed to the scene to provide assistance, and transported the whale to the Haichang Ocean Park Animal Rescue Center for treatment. The whale had suffered multiple external injuries while stranded and was unable to swim on its own. In addition, it was diagnosed with a severe lung infection, dehydration, and abnormal liver and kidney function.
On Jan. 3, Sanya's Haichang Ocean Park Animal Rescue Center staff worked to save a stranded pilot whale. (Photo: New Hainan App)
After over four months of painstaking treatment and care by the staff of the rescue center, the pilot whale has returned to health. 'Haitang' has even grown bigger and stronger! When rescued, the whale measured 3.6 meters in length and had a chest circumference of 1.9 meters, but now measures 3.7 meters in length and has a chest circumference of 2 meters.
Rescue Center staff applying medication to treat the skin of the pilot whale 'Haitang' at noon on Apr. 24th. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
"Pilot Whales are relatively rare, and are classified as a national Class II protected species. They are quite large, and their chances of surviving after being stranded might not even be as high as 1%. If released successfully, 'Haitang' will be the largest whale successfully rescued in China, a truly remarkable achievement," said Cao Zheng, head of the biological conservation department of the Haichang Ocean Park Animal Rescue Center.
'Haitang' has recovered well and is feeling feisty. On the afternoon of May 7, Rescue Center staff attempted to approach the whale, but were rebuffed by a powerful tail flick. (Photo: Hainan Daily App)
Hainan International Media Center Presents
Translated by Nicki Johnson
Editor: Chen Shumin
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