AKP Phnom Penh, February 17, 2026 --

Cambodia’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries (MAFF) announced Tuesday the discovery of a newborn Irrawaddy dolphin calf in the Kampi deep pool in Chetr Borei district, Kratie province, marking a significant milestone for the endangered species.

According to the MAFF, the baby dolphin was born on Feb. 14, 2026. It was spotted and photographed three days later by a joint research team by a joint research team from the Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) while conducting routine monitoring activities in the conservation zone.

With this latest addition, the Ministry reports that the total population of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins has risen to 113.

Since 2025, it added, zero dolphin deaths have been recorded, suggesting that tightened river patrols and habitat protection measures are yielding positive results.

Last year, Cambodia recorded eight newborn dolphins, while in 2024, nine calves were born, following eight in 2023 and six each in 2022 and 2021.

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.

WWF-Cambodia reaffirmed that the presence of dolphins in the Mekong River reflects healthy fisheries, healthy river systems, and rich biodiversity that supports the livelihoods of local communities.

By K. Rithy Reak