Pictures: George Deacon
On the afternoon of Sunday 11 May a Risso’s dolphin was observed swimming erratically in the Swanpool area of Falmouth, Cornwall. A pod of Risso’s dolphins had been sighted off southern Cornwall recently, but this one was alone and close to shore.
The dolphin was monitored for over two hours during which time it semi stranded once. Just before 9pm it swam directly at the shore and stranded in the shallows. It was then uplifted onto the sandy beach.
All first aid measures were carried out by our team in line with BDMLR protocols.
During assessment the dolphin had periods of thrashing about to the extent medics had to stand back for safety before continuing first aid. The dolphin was 2.9m long and exhibited a poor body condition.
After consultation between the vet on scene and BDMLR’s veterinary consultant Natalie Arrow, it was agreed the dolphin needed euthanising on animal welfare grounds.
The dolphin was removed from the beach for post mortem.
We would like to thank the local Coast Guard who were amazing providing crowd control, a cordon and lighting and who also cleared the busy beach when needed prior to euthanasia.
Thanks also to members of the public who were extremely respectful and accommodating of the team giving us plenty of space.
The BDMLR teamwork, in very tricky conditions, was exceptional – thank you to all involved.
