Joint rescue effort brings Rough-Toothed Dolphin “Hart” from Pangasinan to Ocean Adventure in Subic

Joint rescue effort brings Rough-Toothed Dolphin “Hart” from Pangasinan to Ocean Adventure in Subic Subic bay Freeport, Philippines — Theme park operator Ocean Adventure, together with the coastal communities of Pangasinan rallied in a concerted effort with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), to rescue “Hart,” a male rough-toothed dolphin (Steno bredanensis), which initially stranded in Brgy. Aloleng, Agno, Pangasinan on February 13. Local fisherfolks in Pangasinan initially responded to the stranded animal and released it back into the waters. However, Hart’s plight took a concerning turn when he re-stranded the following day in Brgy. Buboy, Agno, Pangasinan. Despite several attempts to encourage him back to deeper waters by the fisherfolks, and personnel from the province and LGU of Agno, Hart persistently returned to shore, indicating his compromised health status. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, authorities made the decision to relocate Hart to the rehabilitation pen of the BFAR 1 in Cariaz Island, Alaminos, for intensive care and monitoring. Dr. Arnold dela Cruz of the Alaminos City Veterinary Office together with the BFAR 1 and LGU personnel led the transport operation on February 14. Upon arrival at Cariaz Island, a dedicated stranding team from Ocean Adventure joined forces with the local authorities to provide round-the-clock attention to Hart. Concerns were raised regarding Hart’s swimming pattern and the possibility of scoliosis, which experts attributed may be due to the restricted swimming space in the pen. Because of the apparent improvements seen in Hart’s condition, another attempt to release him was made on February 18. Tragically, Hart was reported stranded once again in San Fabian, Pangasinan, prompting another intervention from BFAR 1, PNP maritime, and fisherfolks. In light of Hart’s recurring stranding and apparent deteriorating health, Dr. Hasmin Chogsayan of BFAR 1recommended his immediate transfer to Ocean Adventure’s facility in Subic Bay Freeport (SBFZ), the only place in the Philippines where specialized care could be administered to the animal. The BFAR 1 team, under Dr. Chogsayan’s leadership, facilitated Hart’s transfer, arriving at Ocean Adventure’s dolphin rehabilitation facility in SBFZ in the early hours of February 20. Ocean Adventure’s Head Veterinarian Leo Suarez said that BFAR is ” really doing a good job in helping our stranded marine mammals. They are able to do so much for these animals in need even with the limited resources and manpower. Somehow, we have to bridge the gap of available resources. And this is where other members of the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network come in. Our network is functioning well to save these animals and we are getting better at what we do every time.” Currently, Hart is under the dedicated care of Ocean Adventure’s animal care team, receiving tailored treatment including antibiotics, liver support, electrolytes, and supplements to address various health concerns. Additionally, physical therapy has been initiated to alleviate the mild scoliosis observed in Hart’s peduncle. Robert Gonzaga, president and CEO of Subic Bay Marine Exploratorium Inc., the parent company of Ocean Adventure, said that ” it’s part of our mission to help local communities and the Philippine government, especially our partners at BFAR, in this endeavor. This collaborative effort underscores a shared commitment to safeguarding marine life and ensuring that our rescue attempts are successful.” Gonzaga said that ” At our Ocean Adventure facility, Hart will be given the best care possible by people who will go to great lengths and do whatever is necessary to save marine mammals in distress. “