Current Events

Famous dugong dies from eating plastic

August 19, 2019

A world-famous dugong, named Miriam, has died from eating plastic.

The orphaned dugong became famous last year after it was rescued in Thailand.

Mariam died on Saturday from an infection that was started by small bits of plastic that were lining her stomach.

Mariam became an internet star after images showed her nuzzling into rescuers when she became stranded on a beach in April.

There are only a few hundred of these special sea mammals left in Thailand.

During the final autopsy, several pieces of plastic including one measuring 20cm were found inside her stomach.

1. Who is the main person or group of people in this news article?

Mariam the dugong.

2. What was the key event from the news article?

There is plastic in the ocean and the sea animals are eating it and dying from it.

3. Where did this event take place?

Thailand

4. When did this event take place?

August 2019

I wonder how she got all the plastic in her tummy?

I wonder what type plastic it was?

I wonder how long a dugong can hold its breath?
I wonder what the dugong evolved from?
I wonder why the dugong got washed up on the shore.
I wonder how large they grow.
I wonder if Ruby will see one in Thailand.

I think all the shops should have paper bags instead of plastic.

I think it is good they are trying to save the dugongs by people building on the sea.
I think it would be cool taking care of the dugong.
I think it would be hard to find them.