In 2006 The Portuguese Wildlife Society (SPVS), established the rehabilitation centre CRAM-Q, focused on marine animals in the centre of Portugal (Quiaios-Figueira da Foz).
In April 2008, SPVS launched a Pledgie fundraiser where they asked the caring public for donations to:
"Save a Common Dolphin Named Martinha"
SPVS stated at that time:
"Martinha was rescued in September of 2007 after being accidentally caught in gillnets. Martinha was able to overcome all health problems and her rehabilitation is a considerable success for our rehab team. Martinha’s rehab process is now on its 7th month and since last month we are building a new pool for the final phase of her rehabilitation program, before releasing her back to the wild."
The aim of the fundraiser was to raise 80,000 euros to "accomplish ALL the objectives and ensure Martinha's full rehabilitation."
"Martinha will be the first rescued dolphin to be returned to the wild in the Portuguese history."
But Martinha was never released and 11 years later CRAM-Ecomare say she is alive and well. So what went wrong? Why has all reference to Martinha been removed from their social media? Why wont her keepers provide a current image or video of Martinha?
Please help Martinha's Rescue Coalition secure an independent welfare assessment of Martinha. Sign and share this petition and visit martinha.org for more information and ways to help.
#WhereIsMartinha
*Image source: Pledgie 2006