Wildlife officials say that a dolphin found stranded in a dry creek bed near Meadow Avenue in Monmouth Beach has been euthanized.
The male dolphin was found “lying unsupported on the thick mud of the nearly dry creek bed,” according to the New Jersey Marine Mammal Stranding Center.
The dolphin was said to be in poor condition when police rescued him. Veterinarians say that the animal was weak and lethargic and had lesions on multiple parts of the body. Abrasions were also found on his fins.
Officials say that due to the dolphin's condition, “the decision was made to humanely euthanize the animal to prevent further suffering.”
“Seeing the community come together to support our team and do whatever they could to help this beautiful dolphin in his final moments was inspiring,” the center wrote in a statement. “Although the outcome for this dolphin was not what we had all hoped for, in death he will contribute to the scientific knowledge of his species and hopefully help us understand the reason for his stranding and others.”
The Stranding Center says a necropsy will take place and the results will be released on the
center’s website.