This is the heartwarming moment kind locals tended to a tired and injured dolphin.

The marine creature was found inside a fish enclosure off the coast of Masbate, the Philippines on September 11.

Resident Maville Alcaraz saw her neighbour gently treating the dolphin by dousing seawater on it to help it stay calm.

They believe the dolphin had become disorientated after an accident ventured near to the shore in search of help.

Maville believes the dolphin was pleading for residents to treat the wounds caused by rocks in shallow water.

She said: "The poor dolphin was wounded so we tended to it as best we could. It was so friendly. I believe it wanted us to help.''

Locals called the Bureau of Fisheriens and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) who sent officials to assess the dolphin's health.

District officer Diomedes P. Balleba said: "The dolphin's wounds are not very deep, although there are many. It can survive in the ocean and it will be better for it to stay in its natural environment."

The dolphin was allowed to rest for a few hours after the health checks and was released to the ocean later that day after his results came out fine.