Bali Police and Activists Rescue Stranded Two-Meter Sperm Whale

RRI.CO.ID, Jembrana - A joint effort by police, activists, and residents successfully rescued a disoriented sperm whale from a beach in Jembrana, Bali. The animal was later transferred to a wildlife facility to receive expert medical care.

The operation began late Monday night, January 26, 2026, when locals reported the whale stranded on Tembles Beach in Penyaringan Village. Initial attempts by Mendoyo Sectoral Police officers and community members guided the still-alive animal back to sea, but it washed ashore again the next morning.

“On Monday night (January 26, 2026), we received a report of a stranded whale. At that time, together with the community, we guided the animal back to the sea while it was still alive, but this morning it was found washed ashore again," said Mendoyo Police Chief, Commissioner I Wayan Sartika, in Jembrana on Tuesday, January 28, 2026.

As reported by Antara, the whale, measured at over two meters long, showed signs of bruising and lethargy upon discovery. Officials from Bali's Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) and veterinarians from the Indonesian Wildlife Network (JSI) suspect disorientation caused the repeated strandings.

"To ensure that this animal rescue follows conservation protocols, we reached out to the relevant authorities. When it was discovered, there were bruises on its body,” he remarked.

To ensure proper conservation protocols, the team evacuated the whale to JSI's base in Banyuwedang Village, Buleleng Regency, for specialized treatment.

"The whale's condition is indeed weak. Hopefully, with proper care from experts, it can recover quickly and be released back into the sea," he said. ***