IN a remarkable display of teamwork and marine conservation, a stranded pygmy whale (Feresa sp.) was successfully rescued and returned to the sea on Tuesday, through the collective efforts of the University of Guyana, the Ministry of Agriculture, and public-spirited residents of Buxton.
The young whale found itself in distress on the Buxton Foreshore, requiring urgent intervention. Chief Fisheries Officer, Denzil Roberts, along with Fisheries Officers, Kadeem Jacobs and Phillip Williams, swiftly mobilised a rescue team. Their efforts were reinforced by Marine Biologists and Biologists, Mark Ram, Eric Stoll, and Rovindra Lakenarine, as well as Elford Liverpool from the University of Guyana’s Department of Biology and the Centre for the Study of Biological Diversity (CSBD).
However, this mission was not accomplished by professionals alone. Buxton residents, demonstrating extraordinary commitment to wildlife protection, eagerly joined the effort, offering crucial hands-on assistance in ensuring the whale’s safety.

EXPERT CARE AND SAFE RELEASE
The rescue team conducted a thorough assessment of the whale’s condition, carefully identifying its species and implementing measures to reduce stress and prevent dehydration. They used wet cloths and continuous hydration to stabilise the stranded marine mammal before transporting it to the Maritime Administration Department (MARAD) in Georgetown. There, at the Demerara River Estuary, the whale was safely released back into its natural habitat.
The operation was a true collaborative success, with multiple agencies coming together to ensure the whale’s survival. The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Police Force, and MARAD all played pivotal roles in the mission.
Beyond saving a life, the rescue effort highlighted Guyana’s growing commitment to marine conservation. It underscored the importance of quick action, community involvement, and inter-agency coordination in protecting marine biodiversity.
Today’s successful rescue stands as a testament to what can be achieved when science, governance, and community spirit converge—a promising sign for the future of marine wildlife protection in Guyana.