Update from Bali: Field Notes from the Team

It’s been a busy few months here in Bali, as our dedicated team continues to work to help local communities, habitats, wildlife and domesticated animals. We are committed to improving the relationship between humans and wildlife and see real progress being made.

JAAN and Pejarakan Village Join Forces to Protect Birds and Boost Ecotourism

In a formal letter undersigned between the village and the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), the Pejarakan Village government issued an official advisory banning the capture, keeping and trade of protected wild birds. Credit: DolphinProject.com

In the Pejarakan Village in West Bali, home of the Umah Lumba Rehabilitation, Release and Retirement Center, village management has agreed on a total ban on the trapping and catching of wild birds. In a formal letter undersigned between the village and the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN), the Pejarakan Village government issued an official advisory banning the capture, keeping and trade of protected wild birds. The measure aims to safeguard local wildlife and preserve the balance of the natural ecosystem. The initiative also aims to develop trained local guides, create birdwatching trails and strengthen Pejarakan’s potential as a sustainable and eco-friendly tourism destination.

Bottlenose Dolphin Stranding

Our team collects data from a stranded bottlenose dolphin on Menjangan Island. Credit: DolphinProject.com

In 2011 Dolphin Project, in partnership with our local partners, the Central Jakarta Forestry Department and the Jakarta Animal Aid Network (JAAN) constructed Camp Lumba Lumba Readaptation and Release Center, the world’s first permanent facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and release of dolphins in Kemujan Island, Karimun Jawa. Here, our team continues to run marine mammal protection programs as well as engage in educational outreach. Recently, we responded to the stranding of a bottlenose dolphin on Menjangan Island. Sadly, the dolphin was already dead for over 48 hours and despite taking its data, could not determine a cause of death.

Rare Beaked Whale Rescue at Gilimanuk Beach

Rescued beaked whale off Gilimanuk Beach in West Bali, August 2025. Credit: DolphinProject.com

This month, a rare stranding of a beaked whale happened on Gilimanuk Beach in West Bali. Thanks to the swift response of the Pesisir Asih fishermen on-site, the animal was returned to deeper waters and kept safe before our rescue team arrived. This rescue is a strong reminder of the importance of immediate action and collaboration between local communities and authorities in safeguarding marine life. The Umah Lumba Center continues to conduct marine mammal stranding training with local communities and government agencies across Bali, ensuring first responders can act quickly in situations like this.

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Featured image: Our team responded to the rare stranding and rescue of a beaked whale on Gilimanuk Beach in West Bali, August 2025. Credit: DolphinProject.com