Albi’s death comes like a bolt from the blue. This morning, the SOS Dolfijn foundation reported that the animal had been able to swim independently again for a few days.
Yet the volunteers took into account that things could change quickly. “While we posted a message this morning that he was swimming independently, he quickly deteriorated in the afternoon. To such an extent that he died of his own accord shortly afterwards,” the foundation writes on Facebook.
“His death comes as a shock to the team and the volunteers. We would like to thank everyone who contributed to giving Albi a second chance.”
24 hour care
The volunteers have built a close bond with Albi in just a few days.
Stranded dolphins can suffer muscle or organ damage, which means they can no longer swim. That is why they have to learn this again in the reception center in Anna Paulowna. The volunteers carried the more than two-meter-long animal through the basin and had to keep its head above water. And that 24 hours a day.
Further research in Utrecht
Albi’s body will be transferred to Utrecht University. There it is investigated what he suffered from and what ultimately killed him.
“Despite this sad news, care for the remaining patients will of course continue as usual,” the volunteers say combatively.
Last week, NH visited Albi to see how he needed care.
