Dolphin released back into the wild after a three-month effort

After a three-month rescue effort, a tropical spotted dolphin named "Wanwan", who was stranded near the waters off Shenzhou Peninsula in Wanning, Hainan province, has recovered and was successfully released back into the wild on Sunday. This marked the first complete rescue and successful release of a dolphin in the waters off Wanning city.

The release took place at 12:07 pm on Sunday, about 20 nautical miles from the shore, with volunteers and veterinarians accompanying the dolphin.

Wanwan, a male tropical spotted dolphin and a Class II protected species in China, was rescued on June 18 after stranding near Shenzhou Peninsula. Although the dolphin had no visible external injuries, it was unable to maintain balance, showed no appetite, and exhibited signs of weakness and dehydration. Medical examinations later revealed gastric ulcers, inflammation, and abnormal liver and kidney function.

Doctors from the Blue Ocean Conservation and Rescue Center at Hainan Ocean Paradise Resort in Lingshui Li autonomous county developed a comprehensive treatment plan. Care included intravenous fluids, intramuscular injections, and oral medication.

Over the following months, the dolphin regained normal behavior, began feeding independently, and showed restored blood biochemistry.

On Sept 8, an expert review evaluated Wanwan's daily feeding, endoscopic and ultrasound examinations, blood tests, and behavioural observations. Experts also observed the dolphin's swimming and feeding behaviors onsite and found no abnormalities, concluding that the dolphin met the conditions for release back into the wild.