TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Three pantropical spotted dolphins were found dead on Wednesday in Penghu, raising concerns that they may be the same trio previously observed near Shagang Village after spending an extended period in a local harbor, per a press release.
Officials said the carcasses showed no obvious signs of severe swelling or decomposition and would be transported to a facility for examination. The Taiwan Cetacean Society will conduct autopsies to determine the cause of death and compare photographs to confirm whether the dolphins match the group previously monitored.
Authorities said they were notified Wednesday afternoon by a local Coast Guard station that three dolphins had stranded and died in Huxi Township's Qingluo Wetland. Preliminary images identified the dolphin species, including at least one male, per the press release.
Earlier, three dolphins of the same species had endeared themselves to residents after remaining in the harbor for several days. Conservation groups and volunteers closely monitored the dolphins’ movements and physical condition to help ensure their safety, though experts acknowledged the outcome may not have been preventable.
Authorities remind the public not to feed or disturb stranded or disoriented whales, dolphins, or sea turtles. Residents are urged to dial 118 or the Penghu County Agriculture and Fisheries Bureau at 06-9262620 ext. 110 so conservation teams can deploy and help marine animals return to their natural habitat.
