A male humpback whale calf, which is approximately 4.60 meters in length and was recently born, was successfully rescued and returned to sea in one of the strategically important Protected Natural Areas of Oaxaca, the Barra de la Cruz-Playa Grande Sanctuary. The calf was found stranded between the night of February 6 and the morning of February 7 during monitoring efforts for sea turtles, with traces of its umbilical cord indicating its recent birth.

Upon discovery, a response protocol for the stranding of marine mammals was activated. This involved personnel from the National Commission of Protected Natural Areas (Conanp), specialists from the civil association Kutzari A.C., local community members from Playa Grande and Barra de la Cruz, as well as surfers in the area. The collaborative effort highlights community involvement in wildlife rescue and the significance of public awareness regarding stranded marine life.

Successful rescues like this not only demonstrate the importance of environmental protection but also reinforce the vital role of community action in preserving marine biodiversity. The use of Protected Areas in conservation strategies helps ensure that such incidents can be managed effectively while also providing a deeper connection between people and their marine environment.