Dolphin "Anmokyi" Rescued off Gangneung Coast Undergoing Treatment in Ulsan

Multiple Injuries Including Deep Lacerations on Skin
Rehabilitation Training Planned After Medical Treatment

On July 15, a southern bottlenose dolphin named "Anmokyi," which was rescued off the coast of Gangneung, Gangwon Province, was transferred to Ulsan for medical treatment.

According to Yonhap News Agency on July 20, the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries announced, "We successfully rescued the injured dolphin Anmokyi at Gangneung Port (formerly Anmok Port) in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province and safely transferred it to a specialized marine animal rescue and treatment facility, where it is currently being treated."

On the 15th, the southern bottlenose dolphin 'Anmoki' was rescued and moved to land at Gangneung Port (formerly Anmok Port) in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Photo by Yonhap News Agency

Anmokyi was rescued from the waters off Gangneung Port on July 15. Anmokyi was found with a 20 cm-wide laceration on its lower back and various other wounds scattered across its body. It is presumed these injuries were caused by contact with a ship's propeller. The rescue operation was carried out by first guiding Anmokyi into a controlled area, then gradually narrowing the net to corral it, so that divers could move it onto a stretcher. Afterwards, using special equipment, Anmokyi was transferred to a dedicated treatment tank, and then transported to the Ulsan Whale Ecology Experience Center.

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries stated, "Currently, Anmokyi is in stable condition," adding that, "A thorough diagnosis and intensive treatment will be conducted going forward."

Since last summer, Anmokyi had attracted attention by frequently appearing near Gangneung Port and following boats, exhibiting little fear of humans. According to experts, Anmokyi is an example of a "Solitary Sociable Dolphin"—a dolphin species known for its social behavior, which for unknown reasons becomes separated from its pod and grows close to people.

Anmokyi admitted to treatment facility. Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Yonhap News Agency

The ministry explained, "It was confirmed that Anmokyi repeatedly approached boats and rubbed against the propellers, showing a noticeably diminished wariness toward humans. Given the high risk of imminent death, we convened an emergency meeting of experts and decided on a prompt rescue." The rescue operation involved many organizations, including the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, the National Marine Biodiversity Institute of Korea, the National Institute of Fisheries Science, the Whale Research Institute, Gangneung City, and the Gyeongpo Disaster Relief Volunteer Fire Brigade. Once Anmokyi completes treatment and regains its health, it will undergo rehabilitation training to prepare for a return to the wild.

Seo Jungho, policy chief at the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, commented, "This rescue is a meaningful case that has increased the survival prospects of this precious marine animal through close cooperation not only with related agencies and experts but also with various civic groups and the citizens of Gangneung. We will do our utmost to ensure that Anmokyi fully recovers and can swim freely in the sea once again."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.