Stranded bottlenose dolphin euthanized after rescue attempt on brigantine beach

BRIGANTINE, N.J. — A stranded bottlenose dolphin found early Tuesday morning on the north end of Brigantine beach was humanely euthanized after responders determined she had little chance of survival, according to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center.

The dolphin, identified as a female offshore bottlenose dolphin nearly nine feet long and weighing over 500 pounds, was reported at approximately 8:30 a.m. by a beachgoer who stayed on site to keep the animal upright in the surf until help arrived. Offshore bottlenose dolphins are typically found far from shore along the continental shelf.

Responders from the Marine Mammal Stranding Center, along with certified volunteers, arrived to find the dolphin extremely thin and lethargic. Due to her size, they were unable to move her without assistance. The Brigantine Fire Department responded to help place the animal into a stretcher, and a front-end loader operated by Hal from Walters Marine Construction was used to gently lift her into a transport frame.

The dolphin was taken to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center for medical evaluation. Staff found her body condition severely compromised and her breathing labored. Despite rescue efforts, her prognosis was determined to be extremely poor.

Euthanasia decision made due to animal’s condition

Experts explained that the dolphin’s prolonged time out of water likely caused internal injuries. Stranding places cetaceans at high risk because their bodies are adapted for buoyancy in water, and time spent on land can result in fatal organ damage.

Photos by marine mammal stranding center.

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“With her body weight unsupported and no indication of how long she had been on the beach, pushing her back into the water would have only prolonged her suffering,” the Marine Mammal Stranding Center stated.

A humane euthanasia was carried out, and the dolphin was transported to the New Jersey Department of Agriculture’s Animal Health Diagnostic Lab in Trenton for a necropsy. The findings are expected to provide insight into her health and potential causes for the stranding.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center extended thanks to all individuals and organizations that assisted, including local volunteers, first responders, and community members.

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