Aged Spotted Dolphin Stranded in Pingtung's Xuhai, Transported to NCKU Cetacean Center for Treatment

(Central News Agency, reporter Li Huiting, Pingtung County, 7th) A live dolphin was found stranded around noon today on the coast of Xuhai in Mudan Township, Pingtung County. Initial assessment identified it as an aged individual of a spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) with poor vitality. It has been transported to National Cheng Kung University's Cetacean Center for treatment.

According to a press release from the Marine Conservation Administration (MCA), the Marine Animal Rescue Network (MARN) received a report around 11:00 AM from the Eighth Patrol Area of the Coast Guard Administration regarding a cetacean stranding on the coast of Xuhai in Mudan Township, Pingtung County. Coast Guard personnel arrived at the scene at 12:16 PM, confirmed it was a live dolphin, and administered emergency care including righting and moisturizing the animal.

Professor Wang Hao-wen from the Institute of Oceanography and Cetacean Research Center at National Cheng Kung University (NCKU) conducted a preliminary identification, determining it to be an aged spotted dolphin. On-site measurements recorded the dolphin's length at approximately 280 cm and width at 50 cm, with poor vitality. The MCA's Pingtung Conservation Station, in coordination with the NCKU rescue team, transported the dolphin from the scene to the NCKU Cetacean Center for medical evaluation and treatment.

The MCA urges the public to immediately call the 118 Coast Guard Service Hotline or notify local authorities upon discovering stranded marine protected wildlife such as cetaceans or sea turtles. The public should avoid gathering, touching, or attempting to push the animals back into the sea, allowing professional rescue teams to provide timely and appropriate assistance to protect marine wildlife together. (Editor: Chen Renhua) 1150607