According to
researchers,
there is an
alarming increase in the number of
whales
and dolphins
being stranded
on beaches. If the dolphins and whales are left
unaided,
they face
certain death.
Nobody knows why there is an increase in the number of
mammals
becoming stranded. One theory is that the mammals
rely heavily
on hearing. They search for food by hearing.
Parasites or
infections can cause hearing difficulties. The animals become
disorientated and
swim on to the
shore.
Another theory is that
mass stranding
is caused by the leader
making a wrong
choice and, when the leader heads for the beach, the others
follow.
Despite
these theories, researchers continue to try to find the answer to this
growing problem.
Environmental
issues have also been
raised.
A rescue
operation was
launched in the China Seas in 1994 to save a dolphin, but it
died. Following a post-mortem, it was discovered that one third of the
dolphin's stomach was filled with and
blocked
by plastic bags. |
Experts
ensure
that a dolphin's body is
kept straight.
The mammal's
blow hole is kept clear so that it can
breathe properly. The
mammal's skin is kept as wet as possible. Rescuers use a
stretcher to ease
the shock of the move back to the sea.
Sometimes rescuers jump into the sea to guide the dolphin back to its
natural environment. According to researchers, even just a few hours of
human contact can mean that the dolphin does not return to the sea
immediately, but swims around in circles to show
emotional
attachment.
More and more people are showing their
concern
for the fate
of the whales and dolphins. If you would like to know more about the
issues, contact your local environmental association. You will be
surprised at how much you can do to help.
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