BORN TO BE WILD: Dugong at Mameng (A Three-Part Series)

BORN TO BE WILD: Dugong at Mameng A Three-Part Series May 4, 11 & 18 Wednesdays after Saksi Old tales claim that seafarers once saw mermaids swimming alongside their ships. Later, these “mermaids" were thought to be dugongs whose graceful movements are reminiscent of the legendary sea siren. In other stories, there exists a sea creature massive enough to cast a dark shadow as it passes. A gigantic fish with large and pouting lips, the creature is said to watch humans who dive into the water. This giant fish is the colorful and captivating mameng. Today, hunted for their prized meat and perceived medicinal value, both the dugong and mameng are in the IUCN red list of threatened and endangered species. Doc Ferds Recio and Kiko Rustia go deep underwater to explore these mysterious and rare creatures. Dugong and Doc Three years ago, Doc Ferds Recio came to the rescue of a stranded baby dugong called “Zam" in Zamboanga City . He and other vets tried to nurse Zam back to health. But away from its mother, Zam could not survive for long. This year, news of several dugong strandings once again made headlines, reminding Doc of his former patient. Determined to learn more about Zam’s species, Doc Ferds embarks on a journey to meet real wild dugongs and help educate communities on the threats that these animals face. He and the team travel to Mati, Davao and Coron, Palawan where Doc finally gets a change to see the dugongs alive and wild. Kiko and Mameng Meanwhile Kiko Rustia spends his summer in Saranggani Province where he once caught sight of a large napoleon wrasse, locally known as “mameng," in one of his dives. He returns to Saranggani after hearing rumors of an enormous six-foot fish in these waters. It has been rare to document a napoleon wrasse of this size in recent years, as mamengs are usually caught as juveniles. The mameng, known for its beautifully colored body and distinct mouth, is one of the most elusive creatures underwater and dwells in the deeper parts of the ocean. The must-watch summer journeys continue in this new series by Born to be Wild, beginning May 4 on GMA.