Injured Bottlenose Dolphin “Anmok-i” Successfully Rescued at South Korea’s Gangneung Port for Emergency Treatment
A coordinated marine wildlife rescue operation has successfully saved an injured bottlenose dolphin named “Anmok-i” after it was rescued from Gangneung Port in Gangwon Province, South Korea, and transferred to a specialized marine animal rescue and treatment facility for medical care.
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries (MOF), South Korea, announced that the rescue was completed on Wednesday, July 15, following concerns over the dolphin’s declining health and increasing risk of death. The rescued dolphin is now receiving treatment under the supervision of marine animal specialists.
According to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Anmok-i is an Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphin that has been living alone around Gangneung Port since last year. Recently, experts identified a serious injury, including a wound approximately 20 centimetres in diameter around its waist area. Authorities also observed unusual behaviour, including reduced caution around humans and repeated attempts to rub its body against vessel propellers while approaching boats.
Due to concerns that the dolphin faced a high risk of fatal injury, the Ministry conducted an expert review and decided to launch an emergency rescue operation to provide immediate medical assistance.
Multi-Agency Marine Rescue Operation
The rescue involved extensive cooperation between government agencies, marine research organizations, local authorities, emergency services, and specialized marine animal treatment facilities.
The operation was carried out by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, National Institute of Marine Biological Resources, National Institute of Fisheries Science, Whale Research Institute, Gangneung City, Gyeongpo Marine Specialist Fire Brigade, and nine marine animal rescue and treatment institutions.
Support was also provided by the Gangneung Coast Guard, Gangneung Marina, and police authorities from Gangneung, Samcheok, Uljin, Yeongdeok, and Ulsan Southern regions.
During the rescue operation, the team carefully guided Anmok-i into a restricted area inside Gangneung Port, where specialists safely captured and transported the dolphin using specially designed marine animal transport equipment. The dolphin was then moved to a dedicated treatment tank prepared for emergency medical care.
The rescue and treatment operation was supported by several specialized marine animal care institutions, including Gyeongpo Aquarium, the National Maritime Museum, Lotte World Aquarium, Aqua Planet Gwanggyo, Aqua Planet Ilsan, Aqua Planet Jeju, Jangsaengpo Whale Ecology Experience Center, COEX Aquarium, and SEALIFE Busan Aquarium. These institutions contributed their expertise, facilities, and technical support to ensure safe transportation, medical examination, and rehabilitation of the injured dolphin.
Dolphin Receiving Medical Care with Plans for Return to Ocean
The Ministry confirmed that Anmok-i is currently in stable condition and receiving intensive treatment. Marine experts will conduct detailed health assessments and continue rehabilitation efforts to improve the dolphin’s chances of recovery.
Once the dolphin completes treatment and regains sufficient health, authorities plan to release Anmok-i back into the wild following consultations with domestic and international marine mammal experts.
Seo Jeong-ho, Director of Marine Policy at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, said the successful rescue represents an important achievement in marine wildlife conservation.
“This rescue is a meaningful case that increased the survival chances of a valuable marine animal through close cooperation among government agencies, experts, civic organizations, and local residents,” Seo said.
He added that the ministry will continue providing all necessary support to help Anmok-i recover and safely return to the sea.
Marine Wildlife Protection Gains Importance Worldwide
The rescue of Anmok-i highlights the growing importance of marine wildlife conservation, dolphin protection, ocean biodiversity preservation, and sustainable maritime management. Marine experts have emphasized the need for stronger protection measures to reduce threats caused by vessel activity, marine pollution, habitat disturbance, and human interaction.
The successful rescue operation at Gangneung Port demonstrates how cooperation between maritime authorities, scientific institutions, rescue organizations, and local communities can play a vital role in protecting vulnerable marine species and supporting global ocean conservation efforts.
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