Cuddles at feeding time are one of many techniques vets in Thailand are using to raise an orphaned baby dugong named Mariam, and which have helped spread interest in ocean conservation in the process. Found stranded on a beach in May at six months old, the ocean mammal has been receiving daily care from park officials, local conservation groups, and veterinarians at Phuket Marine Biological Centre. Her star took off after photos showing her being cradled by the vets went viral on social media, and the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources has posted frequent updates on her condition.

Orphaned dugong conservation star. (2019, July 5). Manila Standard, pp. A1, A2.