Photos of Baby dugong rescued in Thailand going viral

An orphaned bay dugong named Mariam captures the hearts of millions on social media as she was rescued at a beach in Krabi province, Thailand. Now it is cared for by park officials and veterinarians from the Phuket Marine Biological Centre on Libong Island, Trang province in southern Thailand.

The baby dugong lights awareness for ocean conservation to protect this species since it is listed as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The researchers hope that Mariam can learn to live independently and return to the ocean after a period of feeding.

In April, a baby dugong was found near a beach in Thailand's southern Krabi province, her mother nowhere in sight. ... She is 5 months old, and now resides near a dugong habitat off Ko Libong island, reports the Associated Press.

-