On Sunday, beachgoers in Freeport, Texas killed a stranded dolphin on Quintana Beach after they pushed it back to sea and "attempted to swim with and ride" the sick animal.
The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network's Facebook page reported the crowd harassed the mammal until it ultimately died before rescuers arrived.
A dolphin stranded on a Texas beach died after being harassed by a crowd of people who attempted to ride the sick animal, according to rescuers.https://n.pr/3vhO8hm— NPR (@NPR) 1650213498
The incident caused much public outrage.
A local dolphin expert called the harassment an example of exactly what not to do in a situation like this.
We are genuinely the worst species. Good lord.— Eric (@Eric) 1650213567
Federal officials are now investigating the incident.
You can watch a news report, here.
Heidi Whitehead, the executive director of Stranding Network, told the Houston Chronicle:
“Dolphins strand because they are sick or injured, and will most likely drown if returned to sea or re-strand in worse condition."
Marine biologist, Dr. Chris Marshall, with Texas A&M University Galveston, told KHOU:
"The animal was quite sick, was already stressed out, and it probably pushed the animal over the brink in terms of stress."
"The stress is probably what killed it."
The Stranding Network's Facebook page also stated:
"This type of harassment causes undue stress to wild dolphins, is dangerous for the people who interact with them."
This was so upsetting to read. What is the matter with people? Where is their humanity...— kimvinogrotto (@kimvinogrotto) 1650296772
Why are we so cruel...this is heartbreaking.— KDCreek (@KDCreek) 1650290989
People without brain and empathy, disgusting.— Toni (@Toni) 1650290938
Marshall also mentioned what the beachgoers may not have known was that dolphins, and all marine mammals, are federally protected.
Harassing them could lead to legal consequences if convicted–including serious fines and or imprisonment.
The news headline did little to improve the Lone Star state's image.
Texas is the new Florida.— Henry David (@Henry David) 1650213896
What the actual F is going on in Texas? If we need a wall, it\u2019s to protect people from Texas.— Jane Doe (@Jane Doe) 1650214131
TX, where everybody is below average. Every other state: "let's help the dolphin get back to sea". TX: Let's ride the water pony!— KellyAndrewCox (@KellyAndrewCox) 1650213597
Sounds about right for Texas people. Terrible incident— Pierre Paniagua (@Pierre Paniagua) 1650214180
Ted Cruz and our fearless governor would probably approve this— UncleRon45 (@UncleRon45) 1650214786
The organization urged anyone who sees a live dolphin or whale stranded to not push the animal back to sea.
They added:
"Do not attempt to swim or interact with them, do not crowd them, and immediately call 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) for guidance on how to help support the animal until the TMMSN rescue response arrives!"
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