Rare dolphin found in canal dies during forest department's rescue operation in UP

A dolphin discovered swimming in the Rapti feeder canal in Shravasti district died during an attempted release operation by forest officials, sparking concern among wildlife authorities. The rare sighting in the canal had initially drawn crowds of curious villagers before turning tragic.

Villagers near Ranipur village in the Kakardari forest area spotted the dolphin late in the evening and immediately alerted the forest department. The unusual appearance of the aquatic mammal in the canal, far from its natural river habitat, attracted significant local attention as residents gathered to witness the rare sight.

A forest department team led by the Sub-Divisional Officer and the Range Officer rushed to the location to conduct a rescue operation. Officials managed to safely extract the dolphin from the canal and conducted a preliminary health examination. The team then prepared to transport the animal to the Rapti river with the intention of releasing it back into its natural environment.

However, tragedy struck during the release process when forest officials discovered that the dolphin had died. The unexpected death has sent shockwaves through the forest department, raising questions about the circumstances that led to the animal's demise. Wildlife experts are now examining whether the dolphin was already in distress when discovered or if the rescue and transport process contributed to its death.

The forest department has ordered a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death. Officials are conducting a thorough investigation to understand what went wrong and to prevent similar incidents in future rescue operations. The Ganges river dolphin is an endangered species, making every loss significant for conservation efforts in the region.