The Marine Wildlife and Animal Welfare advocacy group Earth Island Institute Asia-Pacific launched “Wady’s Epic Adventure to Save Home,” a children’s book aimed at raising awareness about the region’s endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, in Bacolod City on Friday, April 21.
The book chronicles the journey of Wady, a courageous and tenacious Irrawaddy dolphin, as he struggles 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 and the environment via Wady’s narrative.
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, Earth Island Institute Regional Director Trixie Concepcion said.
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The Irrawaddy dolphins (Orcaella brevirostris) subpopulations in the Iloilo and Guimaras straits are listed as “Critically Endangered” in the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN Red List), she said.
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 figures are a far 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 Concepcion said.
“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,” she added.
For copies or purchases of “Wady’s Epic Adventure to Save Home”, those interested may contact Earth Island Institute Philippines at its Facebook page, a press release from the group said.*