Anger following dolphin death on Argentine beach

The pictures were taken at the beach resort of Santa Teresita, where the La Plata dolphin was plucked from the sea, the Sun reported. Fundacion Vida Silvestre, an Argentine group that works for the protection of animals, called on beachgoers to leave dolphins in the water.

After the dozens of Brazilian amateur “photographers” were satisfied with the amount of pictures they took with the terrified baby sea mammal, they just left it for dead in the mud, not even bothering to attempt putting it back in the sea. “Like other dolphins, they cannot stay long out of the water because its thick skin provides internal heat, quickly causing dehydration and death”. As a member of the river dolphin group, the Franciscana is the only one that can survive in the ocean and saltwater estuaries and can live for up to 20 years. Bound to the coastal waters of only three nations – Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay – Franciscana dolphins are a vulnerable species.

In one video posted widely on local websites Friday, a beachgoer is seen lifting a baby dolphin out of the surf.

Now a tourist who captured the video of the entire thing has claimed that the dolphin was already dead before it was pulled from the ocean.

The Argentina Wildlife Foundation condemned the use of the La Plata baby dolphin as a selfie prop. However, the organization also took the opportunity to inform the public about the dangers that the Franciscana dolphins are facing and raise awareness on the species.

Many people did express anger over the incident on social media, calling for stricter laws for animal abuse. In this case, it resulted in the death of a member of an endangered species. While one baby dolphin was eventually released, a baby dolphin died as selfie-avid crowd passed it around.

Jason is a graduate of Biology and Chemistry, who wishes he had more time to spend travelling, immersing himself in new cultures and enjoying the outdoors. From delving into these sources to creating compelling stories that are attractive for his readers, Jason enjoys every moment of it.