Marine Mammal Rescue

The Philippines is home to an incredible array of marine animals including 26 species of whales and dolphins (cetaceans), and the critically endangered dugong. In many parts of the country, when a sick or injured cetacean comes into shore (called stranding) it is most likely to be slaughtered for food before any help can be found. That’s why in 2002 WIN joined with Ocean Adventure to rescue stranded cetaceans and provide critical care and rehabilitation. In 2004, we joined with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to develop the Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN).

Workshops:

• Cetaceans Stranding Response Workshop
• Medical Management of Stranded Marine Mammals Workshop

Through the generous support of the SeaWorld & Busch Gardens Conservation Fund as of mid-2011 we have trained over 2,000 BFAR staff and other stakeholders throughout the Philippines in marine mammal rescue through our Cetacean Stranding Response Workshop. We also train veterinarians and other medical personnel to care for these animals though our Medical Management of Stranded Marine Mammals Workshop. These Workshops are offered many times a year at Ocean Adventure, and training also is provided at different places throughout the country.

With grants from the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund we have also developed valuable resource materials to support these efforts including:

• Marine mammal Stranding Response Manual – A guide for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of stranded cetaceans and dugongs in the Philippines
• Instructional Video on Cetacean Stranding Response
• Instructional brochure
• Instructional poster
• Whales and Dolphins of the Philippines full color poster

Click Images to Enlarge

For information on Workshops or ordering materials please email: WildlifeInNeed@ix.netcom.com