Rescued whale released back into the sea

陈小将

Volunteers and conservationists help a short-finned pilot whale stranded in Haitang Bay in Sanya, Hainan province, on Jan 3. WANG CHENGLONG/FOR CHINA DAILY
In the nation's first instance, a short-finned pilot whale was released into its natural habitat, thanks to the dedicated efforts of more than 200 people who joined hands to save the stranded creature.

The whale has spent 145 days in an oceanic park before it was released into the ocean where it belongs.

It all began on Jan 3, when the whale was spotted stranded on the sandy shores of Haitang Bay in Sanya, Hainan province, sustaining unclear injuries. Marine police, conservationists and volunteers rushed to the scene, and managed to send the whale to the Sanya Haichang Animal Conservation Center.