In a heartwarming tale of resilience, a stranded dolphin named Chess made a triumphant return to the ocean in April 2023 after nearly a year of recovery. The juvenile marine mammal was first spotted severely injured in Qizi Bay, off Hainan Island’s western coast, in April 2022. Local firefighters and marine biologists worked tirelessly to transport the animal to a nearby rescue facility, where it earned its name—a nod to the bay’s Chinese moniker meaning \"chess.\"
A Collaborative Rescue Effort
After 11 months of specialized care, including wound treatment and nutritional support, Chess regained full health. Experts tracked its progress using underwater cameras and AI-assisted monitoring systems, highlighting the growing role of tech in wildlife conservation. \"This release demonstrates what’s possible when communities and scientists unite,\" said a Hainan-based marine biologist involved in the operation.
Hope for Marine Ecosystems
Chess’s story has sparked optimism about marine conservation efforts in biodiverse regions like the South China Sea. Researchers emphasize that successful rescues provide critical data for protecting endangered species. As Chess swam into open waters, satellite tagging allowed real-time tracking—a boon for studying dolphin migration patterns and habitat restoration.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
