Photo Essay: Malquot the Dugong at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi - in pictures
Malquot was treated to 'an all-lettuce cake' for his fifth birthday at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
He lives in Abu Dhabi's SeaWorld multispecies habitat that has been designed specifically for dugongs
Visitors have an opportunity to meet Malquot, where they learn about his story, day-to-day care and can even share a crisp lettuce with him
Malquot was rescued at a young age weighing only 22.3kg, after being found lost at sea in 2019
Georgina Cox, zoological senior specialist, feeds Malquot a diet of leafy greens, including Romaine lettuce, Boston lettuce and bok choy
Zoological specialist Elliot Green uses a target pole to guide Malquot to the medical pool
The medical pool is where Malquot's growth is monitored every month
With extensive rehabilitation and care at Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi and Yas SeaWorld Research & Rescue Centre facilities, Malquot was able to regain full health
A stretcher is used to weigh Malquot, whose vital statistics are monitored monthly
