ZAMBOANGA CITY, 15 May 2005 — An injured 2.4-meter bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) caught by fishermen in the southern Philippine port city of Zamboanga was rescued on Friday by authorities, but it later died due to severe injuries.
Witnesses said a group of fishermen clubbed the dolphin after they caught the animal off Zamboanga. Civilians who witnessed the cruelty tipped off the authorities, but there have been no arrest.
Local fishery workers tried, but failed to save the 70-kilogram dolphin.
Bottlenose dolphins are some of the best known species of dolphin and usually used to perform in zoos and aquariums around the world. They are usually gray in color with darker backs than their undersides.
Bottlenose dolphins also have an inquisitive and active behavior and frequently lobtail, bow ride, wake ride, and body surf. These dolphins are known to associate with other species of cetacea as well as humans, sharks, and sea turtles.
