‘A necropsy will be conducted’: Dolphin euthanised on The Strand

A dolphin that stranded itself near the Rockpool in Townsville has been euthanised due to its poor condition, the DETSI has confirmed.

The individual was a rough-tooth dolphin, a species which typically develops pinkish spots on them as they age and live in parts of the ocean at least 1km deep.

A dolphin that stranded itself near the Rockpool in Townsville has been euthanised due to its poor condition, the DETSI has confirmed.

The animal was a rough-tooth dolphin, and was spotted by a member of the public on Wednesday, May 7, 2.45pm.

The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) was called in, and a health assessment was completed by a veterinarian.

DETSI project manager Tina Alderson said marine strandings occur right across the Australian coastline, and they could be reported through the QWildlife app.

Croc and koala sightings can also be reported and seen by others on the QWildlife app.

The individual was a rough-tooth dolphin, a species which typically develops pinkish spots on them as they age and live in parts of the ocean at least 1km deep.

The individual was a rough-tooth dolphin, a species which typically develops pinkish spots on them as they age and live in parts of the ocean at least 1km deep.

“Marine animals strand for several reasons including age, illness, disease, injuries from predators or boat strikes and entanglement in fishing equipment,” Ms Alderson said.

“A necropsy will be conducted on the dolphin to help determine the reasons it stranded and the result could take weeks.”

Rough-toothed dolphins are found worldwide in deep tropical waters and are not listed as a vulnerable or threatened species.

Originally published as ‘A necropsy will be conducted’: Dolphin euthanised on The Strand