The dolphin has returned to health in Thailand

A dolphin calf found sick by Thai fishermen is making a successful recovery with the help of a group of volunteers.

Paradon, whose name means “Brother’s Burden”, is expected to die from his illness after being rescued from a pool of water last month.

Experts say that the dolphin is very weak and has little chance of survival. At first, Paradon needed to be kept afloat even by volunteer caretakers.

“We said among ourselves that his chances of survival are very low,” said Tanaphan Chomchun, a veterinarian at the center.

Chomchuen added, “Dolphins that are usually found stranded on the beach are often in such a terrible condition. These dolphins have a very, very slim chance of survival. But we tried our best that day.

Veterinarians and staff play with Paradon, feed him milk and help him practice his motor skills in a small habitat. He is cared for around the clock by a team of volunteers dedicated to walking him through his recovery.

Paradon isn’t out of the woods yet, as volunteers struggle to get him to eat every 20 minutes or so.

Tipunyar Tipjuntar, a 32-year-old financial consultant, is one of the volunteers who come with Paradon for childcare shifts.

He doesn’t eat enough, but he wants to play. “I’m worried that he’s not getting enough nutrition,” she told The Associated Press on Friday as she fed her sleepy Parado stuffed in her arms.

She continued, “When you spend your time, physical effort, mental focus and money to come here to volunteer, you really want him to thrive and survive.

The calf shows no signs of previous infection, and vets are preparing for long-term care in Thailand until Paradon finds its own rescuer.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.