An orphaned dugong named Mariam has died in Thailand from health complications stemming from a stomach full of plastic.
The eight-month-old dugong — a species loosely related to the manatee — had become a social media sweetheart since her rescue in April this year. She was found in Krabi, and conservationists moved her to a dugong conservation area in Koh Libong, Trang for specialized treatment in a natural environment.
Cameras broadcast live footage of her care, and she became a symbol for marine conservation for the entire nation.
On August 8, Mariam stopped eating and started showing signs of serious illness. In spite of the best expert medical supervision, her condition deteriorated over the following week. Carers moved her into a smaller pool to more closely monitor her health, but she passed away on August 16.
An autopsy revealed a number of plastic pieces in her intestine, the largest one measuring eight inches (20 centimeters). The plastic obstructed her intestinal tract and contributed to her death.
“We could partially treat the respiratory infection but the obstruction of plastic rubbish could not be cured,” said veterinarian Nantarika Chansue. “Everyone is saddened by the loss, but it reiterates that we need to save the environment to save these rare animals.”
There are around 250 dugongs in Thailand, and the species is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN.
This is certainly not the first time a marine mammal has died after ingesting plastic, and tragically, it won’t be the last. According to Surfers Against Sewage, 100,000 marine mammals and turtles and 1 million seabirds are killed every year by marine plastic pollution.
A shocking 8 million pieces of plastic enter the world’s oceans every day, making up 60-90 percent of all marine debris studied.
Our addiction to plastic is toxic. In 2015, Americans purchased about 364 bottles each! The simple act of avoiding single-use plastics like this can make all the difference, and prevent the death of more innocent animals like Mariam.
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say thanks to brasil and mexico who spoil theyr trash in the oceans!
say thanks to all chinese industry that produces plastic trash!
Very sad.
Don’t throw them out… recycle!
And yet, as incredibly sad and unbelievable it may sound, there are still plenty of persons in our societies (our neighbours, our friends, our relatives, even ourselves) who think that preserving and protecting the environment is not EVERYBODY’s business and that they are perfectly condoned and allowed to use and abuse the environment as they see fit for them. They don’t realize -or plainly don’t care- that whatever each one of us, so THEY too- has an impact on our surroundings. If we live in a house, would we litter it and not keep it to the best of shapes? Each and every one of us must consider Earth as our house, keeping it in good shape is vital for us too.
such humans are useless on the planet and should be all executed for a better future!
Lässt alle Tiere in Frieden leben! Wir sollten sie mit Würde und Respekt behandeln, denn sie sind wertvoll in allen Bereichen!
WAKE UP & RESPECT LIFE!
We are the most dangerous and ultimate invasive species. It is sad but true that extinction of humans is really the best solution for animals and the planet. Oceans need to be cleaned up first though.
You’re in a better place now. Rest in peace precious angel.
We lazy unempathetic humans have and are ruining the planet with our carelessness, greediness and disrespect.
The animals, birds, aquatic life along with insects and plant life are & have been suffering and dying from the abuse!
ENOUGH of the cavalier, me/me, everything, right now attitude and behavior! Shame on most of us!
One more animal we can’t afford to lose. And all because we like disposable things.
Humans do not deserve the Earth.
A horrible death for this poor dugong. She would have suffered horribly and her death would have been so incredibly painful – all because humans again are so incredibly f*cking stupid. We don’t need to use plastics and we sure as hell don’t need to dump them into the oceans and waterways. Why can’t humans grow up and be responsible – for a supposedly smart race there are certainly one hell of a lot of stupid f*ckers out there. We don’t own the earth – we have no more rights than all the animals that exist here but unfortunately they are much smarter than us because they don’t pollute and destroy populations like humans do – such a sad state of affairs. This poor 8 month old orphan never deserved to die like this.
so sad
UNIMAGINABLE — my heart breaks for sweet Mariam — this horrific death could’ve been prevented — easily! — STOP filthying up Mariam’s WATERS — where many ocean animals are living — it is their HOME — where is the respect & consideration.
Stop the dumping of plastics in rivers , oceans and lakes!
Please people DON’T throw plastic into tbe seas lakes and rivers!!
Damn plastic!!! People need to grow up and be responsible and accountable for themselves. They don’t give a damn that innocent animals are suffering horrible deaths because of their irresponsible behavior.
IT IS FAR PAST TIME THAT HUMANS STOPPED MFG & BUYING PLASTIC! THIS PLANET HAS SURVIVED BILLIONS OF YEARS WITHOUT IT AND IS DYING AS WELL AS ALL SPECIES BECAUSE OF IT! PEOPLE HAVE TO STOP BEING SO LAZY NOT TO BRING A REUSABLE BAG SHOPPING OR STOP BEING SO CHEAP NOT TO PURCHASE REUSABLE BAGS THAT HAVE BEEN SOLD FOR DECADES!!
Fucking dirty inbreeds and simpletons are ruining our planet beacause there fucking subhumans who dont give a fuck about us or our planet our animals and mankind.Your to blame for this death your filthy fucking hands did this beacause you dont give a fuck.More than half of humans on earth dont deserve to live on this planet.
Animals continue to die from eating plastic and humans are a direct result. These animals don’t know any better. WE do. It is our responsibility to make sure plastic gets disposed of properly. Even more so, we must push to find either an alternative to plastic, or to to make plastic biodegradable/safe for animals. To let this dreadful trend continue is not an option. The survival of countless species depends on humanity taking responsibility for its waste.