Tragic end for dolphin

A YOUNG dolphin was rescued alive from a beach near Almerimar last weekend. Volunteers from marine rescue group, Equinac, attended the scene following an alert from 112 emergency services.

The animal was taken to a special pool erected in Almerimar port while volunteers worked tirelessly throughout Sunday night (August 28) to try to save its life.

Equinac coordinator, Eva Moron, told EWN that the dolphin was still feeding from its mother and the team had to bottle feed the young animal.

She said that its chances of survival were slim and sadly the animal died during the night.

The rescue attempt was hindered by the failure of the ageing pool pump and local fire services were called in to help.

The 112 call was made by a group of men who were on the beach, according to reports they spotted a woman with the dolphin taking ‘selfies’ with it, after which she cast it aside.

The Equinac is keen to learn the identity of this person and urges anyone who sees any photos to report it to the police as it is an offence to interfere with a marine animal.

Many female dolphins wean their calves in August and September, which can cause an increase in the number of juvenile specimens killed.

Equinac is a voluntary organisation and receives no government funding, the group relies heavily on donations to continue its work.  Visit Equinac.org or see their page on Facebook.