HOPE FADING FOR STRANDED DUGONG

Wildlife groups have scaled back their search for a young dugong, stranded in the Macleay River at Stuarts Point.

The calf was last sighted two days ago.

Its mother was found dead more than a week ago, and although the calf’s believed to be old enough to feed on sea grass, ORRCA says the water is too cold for it to survive.

Dugongs are rarely seen this far south, but rescuers are still hopeful they can move it to warmer waters.

Vision Courtesy of Andrew Barnes, Sydney Sealife Acquarium.