AKP Phnom Penh, April 28, 2026 -- A newborn Mekong River dolphin calf has been spotted at the Kampi dolphin pool in Kratie province, marking the sixth calf recorded in Cambodia since the start of 2026 and offering optimism for ongoing conservation efforts.

The calf was seen on April 27 in Kampi village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district, according to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries.

The Ministry said the dolphin was first observed at 3:20 p.m. by the ministry’s media team, with the sighting later verified by research team from the Fisheries General Department, Kratie Fisheries Administration Cantonment and conservation group WWF.

The calf is estimated to be around three days old, in good health, and was seen swimming alongside a group of about six adult dolphins.

With the latest birth, the total population of Mekong River dolphins in Cambodia has risen to 118.

The Ministry expressed gratitude to river guards, local authorities, and residents for their continued role in protecting fisheries resources and supporting dolphin conservation.

It said cooperation between state institutions, development partners, and local communities has been key to the steady increase in dolphin numbers.

The Ministry also called on fishers and the public to continue protecting the species by preserving the river environment and following guidance from river patrol teams, helping ensure young dolphins can grow safely.

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.

By C. Nika