An Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was observed carrying her dead newborn calf and attempting to revive it. (Image courtesy of Docu Jeju)
JEJU, Jun. 3 (Korea Bizwire) – In a distressing display, an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was observed carrying her dead newborn calf and attempting to revive it by pushing it above the water’s surface off the coast of Jeju Island, South Korea.
According to the documentary group Docu Jeju and researchers from Jeju National University, the grieving dolphin was spotted at around 12:28 p.m. on June 1 near a fish farm in the waters off Ilgwari, Daejeong-eup in the city of Seogwipo.
The lifeless calf hung limply from its mother’s back as she forcefully thrust it upwards, seemingly trying to resuscitate the motionless body.
This heartbreaking scene follows a similar incident on April 13, when another Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin was witnessed struggling to keep her dying newborn afloat.
Docu Jeju has documented seven instances of newborn dolphin deaths since March 4 of last year, occurring in the areas of Ilgwari, Yeongnak-ri, Mulleung-ri, and Shindo-ri in Daejeong-eup.
“The deaths of these very young dolphin calves, just months old, are becoming increasingly common,” said Oh Seung-mok, the director of Docu Jeju.
“This indicates that the marine environment around Jeju is deteriorating, making it increasingly unsuitable for the Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins to thrive.”
Oh urged authorities to swiftly investigate the dolphins’ habitat and implement measures to safeguard the endangered Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin population in Jeju’s waters.
“Rapid action is needed from the authorities to study the dolphins’ habitat and ensure a safe environment for these creatures facing the threat of extinction in Jeju,” he stated.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
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