By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD City – An adult dwarf sperm whale was released back into the waters after it got grounded in the coast of Barangay Nauhang, Sipalay City, Negros Occidental last Wednesday.
Based on a Facebook post of the city government, the whale was found by a fisherman named Erenio Dequina around 2 a.m.
The whale was observed to be in distress after it got stranded in the beach.
Local fishermen, barangay officials, and personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard helped each other to bring the whale back into the deep part of the sea later that day.
According to savethewhales.org, the dwarf sperm whale is the smallest species commonly known as a whale. It grows up to 2.7 m (8.9 ft) in length and 250 kilograms (550 lb) in weight, making it smaller than the bigger dolphins.
The organization aims to preserve and protect the ocean and its inhabitants. It also focuses on educating the public, especially children, about marine mammals and the fragile ocean environment.
