AKP Phnom Penh, March 21, 2026 —

A newborn Irrawaddy dolphin has been spotted in the Kampi dolphin pool in Sambok village,c Commune, Chetr Borei district, Kratie province, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries’ news release issued on Saturday.

The calf was discovered at around 2:30 p.m. on Mar. 18 by a joint research team from the Fisheries Administration, the Kratie Fisheries Administration Cantonment, and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).

The dolphin, estimated to be about two days old, is reported to be in good health and was seen swimming alongside a group of five adult dolphins. It is the third dolphin calf recorded in Cambodia since the beginning of 2026.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries expressed its appreciation to river guards, local authorities, and residents for their continued efforts in protecting Cambodia’s valuable aquatic resources.

The Ministry also called on fishermen and the public to report any sightings of dolphins, especially calves, to fisheries authorities via the following contact numbers: 012 897 943, 011 355 883, 099 791 919, 092 918 144, and 017 818 382.

The Mekong Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris), considered a living natural treasure of Cambodia, is fully protected under the Kingdom’s Fisheries Law. The species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

WWF-Cambodia reaffirmed that the presence of dolphins in the Mekong River reflects healthy fisheries, healthy river systems, and rich biodiversity that supports the livelihoods of local communities.

By C. Nika