Orphaned Dugong Dies from Acute Circulatory Failure, Autopsy Reveals

Matichon•Society•18d ago

Reader Briefing

An autopsy on an orphaned dugong found stranded in Ranong revealed acute circulatory failure as the cause of death, possibly linked to a severe infection and dehydration.

•An orphaned dugong stranded on Laem Son beach in Ranong on July 5, 2026, died despite intensive care.
•Autopsy results indicated acute circulatory failure, likely from a severe internal infection and significant dehydration.
•The Marine Department collected samples for further lab analysis to confirm the exact cause of death and improve conservation strategies.

Overview

•On July 5, 2026, an orphaned dugong was found stranded on Laem Son beach, Ranong.
•The stranded dugong received intensive first aid and was transferred to the Sirindhorn Wildlife Rescue Centre.
•Healthcare staff provided 24-hour monitoring and care for the dugong's health and physical condition.
•The dugong's body condition was assessed as normal to slightly thin (BCS = 2.5/5) externally.
•External bruising was observed on the dugong's body, possibly from the stranding incident.
•The dugong presented with low blood sugar and moderate to severe dehydration.
•Autopsy findings revealed pale heart muscle, blood clots in the heart chambers, lung congestion, emphysema, and signs of severe, long-term abdominal inflammation.
•The primary cause of death is suspected to be septic shock due to infection in the circulatory system, compounded by severe dehydration, leading to acute circulatory failure.

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Key Entities

Organization

Department of Marine and Coastal Resources(กรมทะเล)

A Thai government agency responsible for managing and conserving marine and coastal resources, which conducted the autopsy on the dugong.

Sirindhorn Wildlife Rescue Centre(ศูนย์ช่วยชีวิตสัตว์ทะเลหายากสิรีธาร)

The facility where the orphaned dugong calf was taken for rehabilitation and treatment.

Person

Dr. Pinsak Suraswadi(ดร.ปิ่นสักก์ สุรัสวดี)

Director-General of the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources, who disclosed the autopsy results of the orphaned dugong.

Place

Laem Son Beach(หาดแหลมสน)

The location where the orphaned dugong calf was found stranded in Ranong province.

Ranong Province(จ.ระนอง)ℹ️

The province in Thailand where the orphaned dugong calf was found stranded.