Story book about Saving Irrawaddy dolphins launched in Bacolod today

The Marine Wildlife and Animal Welfare advocacy group Earth Island Institute Asia-Pacific is pleased to announce the publication of “Wady’s Epic Adventure to Save Home,” a children’s book aimed at raising awareness about the region’s endangered Irrawaddy dolphins.

The book chronicles the journey of Wady, a courageous and tenacious Irrawaddy dolphin, as he struggle to rescue his home and community from extinction. It was written by Karl Ramirez, a singer-songwriter and environmental campaigner. Young readers will discover the significance of conserving marine life an the environment via Wady’s narrative.

The launch event took place this morning, April 21, 2023, at the Saltimbocca Restaurant in Bacolod City.
Local media as well as distinguished guests participated in the book launch. This is a unique opportunity to shed light on the challenges faced by Irrawaddy dolphins and to start important conversations about conservation efforts in the region.

The Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) subpopulations in the Iloilo and Guimaras straits are list as “Critically Endangered” in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN Red List).

According to marine population assessments undertaken by the University of St. La Salle in Bacolod, there are only around 10 to 13 individual dolphins left. These figu are a long cry from the 21 individual dolphins identified by scientists in 2007.

“We are excited to share Wady’s story with children and families across the region,” said Earth Island Institute Regional Director Trixie Concepcion. “This book is not only entertaining, but it also carries a powerful message about the importance of protecting our environment and the creatures that call it home.” Concepcion adds.

For copies or purchases of “Wady’s Epic Adventure to Save Home”, you may contact Earth Island Insti Philippines Facebook page.* (Reference: Trixie Concepcion / Robert Ray Medrano)