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14 Years Saving Whales: Hero Rescuer's Mission
11 Jul
Summary
- Li Haiqin has dedicated 14 years to rescuing stranded whales and dolphins.
- He has led over 40 successful rescue operations since 2012.
- His team now aims for conservation beyond rescue, including education.
Li Haiqin, a dedicated rescuer in Sanya, Hainan province, has committed 14 years to saving stranded whales and dolphins. Since establishing his cetacean rescue team in 2012, Li has participated in more than 40 rescue operations, driven by a belief that every animal deserves a chance to return home.
His skill was evident in the recent rescue of a rough-toothed dolphin, "Yangyang," stranded in Yalong Bay on April 24, 2025. Li coordinated efforts with coastal police and fishermen, successfully returning the dolphin to the sea.
Another critical mission involved "Haitang," a short-finned pilot whale found with severe shark-inflicted wounds on January 3, 2024. After 145 days of intensive treatment and monitoring, "Haitang" recovered and was released back into nature.
Cetaceans are vital indicators of ocean health, and stranding remains a global challenge. In China, over 100 such incidents occur annually, often presenting daunting obstacles. Li himself has sustained numerous injuries during these challenging rescue efforts.
Looking ahead, Li aims to expand his work beyond emergency responses. He envisions an integrated conservation model that includes public science education and skills training to further protect marine life.
