AKP Kratie, March 05, 2026 —

A newborn Mekong river dolphin calf has been spotted in Kratie province, marking the second dolphin birth recorded in Cambodia in 2026.

The calf, estimated to be about two days old, was observed at 9:50 a.m. on Mar. 5 by a joint research team from the Kratie Fisheries Administration and the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) in Kratie. The sighting took place at Anlong Antong Vean in the Kampi pool, located in Kampi village, Sambok commune, Chetr Borei district.

Researchers reported that the calf appears to be in good health and was seen swimming within a group of seven dolphins, including adult dolphin No. 81.

This is the second dolphin calf recorded this year, following the first newborn that was observed and photographed in mid-February 2026.

With the birth of the new calf, the total population of Mekong river dolphins in Cambodia has risen to 114.

Notably, the appearance of the new calf at the Kampi dolphin pool comes just days before the meeting of the Commission for Conservation and Development of the Mekong River Dolphin Ecotourism Area, scheduled for Mar. 9, 2026.

The meeting, to be held in Kratie city, will serve as an important platform for relevant stakeholders to review past achievements and discuss future plans aimed at strengthening the management, protection, and conservation of Mekong river dolphins—considered a national treasure of Cambodia and a vital symbol of the Mekong River.

By C. Nika