1.
SV: Chinese water worker catch White Flag dolphin (2 shots)
0.14

2.
SV: Chinese workers measure dolphin (4 shots)
0.35

3.
Worker examine dead dolphin. (5 shots)
1.04

4.
SV: Injured dolphin swimming in river (2 shots)
1.10

5.
SV: Worker puts sound device in water (2 shots)
1.18

6.
SV: Dolphin swimming (3 shots)
1.26




Initials RH





Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: A live White Flag dolphin has been caught n the Yangtze River by Chinese workers. Another white Flag dolphin was captured at the same time but later died from an injury.

SYNOPSIS: The White Flag is one of the world's four rare species of freshwater dolphins. Although it is to be fond only in the Yangtze River this is the first time one has been caught alive. Because of its rarity the species is protected by the chinese government. The mammal which was caught in January is male, and measures 1.5 metres (5 feet) from snout to tail. It weights 60 kilogrammes (132 lbs) heavy for a freshwater dolphin. Compared with sea running dolphins river species have long, slender beaks and poor sight.

The second White Flag dolphin was female. Both freshwater and ocean species of dolphins are gregarious and usually swim at least in pairs. In the sea schools sometimes number several hundred. The dolphin breathes with lungs; not gills. Originally it was a land animal but took to the water as the result of movements in the earth's curst. In recent years the dolphin has become a familiar performer in oceanaria.

Many species adapt well to captivity and are recognised for their playfulness and friendliness to man. Dolphins also have become the subject of scientific study by research workers and radar specialist because of their apparent intelligence, and their ability to communicate with their kind through a range of sounds and ultrasonic pulses.