DOLPHINS IN DISTRESS

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.

Attempts to rescue dolphins and whales can be extremely difficult and must be done properly. Dolphins and whales can die if they are rolled back into the sea too roughly.

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 club or association. You will be surprised at how much you can do to help.

GLOSSARY
parasite (n): an animal (usually small) which lives off another, e.g. fleas, ticks, etc. (parásito)
disorientated (adj): confused and having lost all sense of direction (desorientado)
stretcher (n): equipment used to carry injured people or animals (camilla)

Source: New English Digest