The River Guardians has now put out another call to action after Dunedoo the dolphin’s calf was spotted with a rather large growth above the mouth.
In late April, the local Facebook group asked the Perth community to keep an eye out for Moon the Dolphin after she had appeared with an abnormally large lump.
The Dunedoo’s calf’s growth was found to be an entanglement caused by fishing lines or ropes.
In an update posted to Facebook, the River Guardians said Researcher Dr Chabanne was able to snap some photos of the baby dolphin during her latest survey of the Swan Canning Riverpark.
During this survey, Dr Chabanne said it’s possible that the baby dolphin may also have entanglement around its pectoral fins.
The River Guardians assured Facebook users Wildlife Protection and rangers from the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions are aware and are monitoring the situation.
“Dunedoo is one of the resident dolphins that moves A LOT within the Riverpark,” the River Guardians wrote.
“On the latest survey, Dunedoo travelled from the Applecross area to the Inner Harbour in less than three hours. This is making it difficult to monitor her and the calf, as well as coordinate any rescue effort.”
Members of the community have been asked to keep an eye out for the mother and the calf.
Dunedoo and her baby swim close together and are visibly mother and calf due to the size difference between the pair.
The community has been urged to send any footage of the suspected pair to [email protected] or contact the River Guardians via Facebook.
Facebook users have been quick to jump to action, with many members horrified at the thought the dolphin may become severely injured.
“This is absolutely horrific and devastating. What we know about dolphin entanglements, this is likely a lethal one, and it most definitely won’t resolve without intervention. Immediate disentanglement is the best chance of survival for this calf,” one woman wrote.
Another said, “This is terrible. That poor baby must be in so much pain! Are Wildlife Protection and/or DBCA Rangers going to try and catch it to remove the wire?”
Dolphins Discovery Centre wrote, “Extremely painful and heartbreaking to see, wishing everyone involved best of luck with the disentanglement, fingers crossed”.