Tourists In Spain Kill Baby Dolphin By Passing It Around For Selfies

By Amanda Froelich Truth Theory

When will humanity learn?

After spotting a stranded baby dolphin on a beach in Spain last weekend, beachgoers quickly surrounded the calf and rushed to take photos. Unfortunately, the selfie-barrage resulted in the dolphin’s untimely death.

After the lifeguard on duty became overwhelmed by the crowd that had formed around the dolphin, he alerted Spanish authorities. They then contacted Equinac, a non-profit organization that rescues stranded creatures.

Sadly, it was too late for the dolphin. Equinac wrote in a post on its Facebook page: “Many people are unable to feel empathy for a living being which is frightened, starving hungry, without its mother and terrified. In their selfishness, all they want is to photograph it and touch it, even if the animal is suffering from stress.”

The International Business Times reports that the dolphin was allegedly passed around to hundreds of people who were on the beach in Mojacar, Almeria. Photographs reveal children unintentionally covering its blowhole as they touch it.

Once again, the world is reminded that it is not okay to take advantage of a frightened, vulnerable animal for the sake of capturing a flattering photograph. A similar occurrence happened last February, when beach tourists passed around a baby dolphin to take photos. It, too, was killed.

The cause of the stranding is presently unknown. While it is too late to save the ocean mammal, activists can prevent similar from occurring by contacting local authorities or a wildlife rescue organization if they see a stranded animal in the future. Trained professionals can provide the creature with the best chance of survival — and that is what ultimately matters.

Read more: Further Proof That Dolphins Have Human-Like Intelligence And Their Own ‘Language’

THIS ARTICLE IS OFFERED UNDER CREATIVE COMMONS LICENSE. IT’S OKAY TO REPUBLISH IT ANYWHERE AS LONG AS ATTRIBUTION BIO IS INCLUDED AND ALL LINKS REMAIN INTACT.

I am Luke Miller, content manager at Truth Theory and creator of Potential For Change. I like to blend psychology and spirituality to help you create more happiness in your life.Grab a copy of my free 33 Page Illustrated eBook- Psychology Meets Spirituality- Secrets To A Supercharged Life You Control Here

Written by: Amanda Froelich

I'm an RHN, chef, writer, activist, and entrepreneur who lives in Colorado. I share healthy plant-based recipes at Life in Bloom and cannabis-infused recipes at My Stoned Kitchen. Read More stories by Amanda Froelich

Follow on Twitter