A SMALL dolphin that became separated from its mother near a beach in Mojacar (Almeria) was subjected to harassment by bathers who took pictures of it and mishandled it by covering its blowhole.
It is understood that the animal was initially stranded in the shallows when it was first intercepted by crowds of holidaymakers.
Equinac, a rescue and recovery of marine fauna association, warn that “cetaceans (dolphins, whales etc.) are not fish, they are mammals and breathe atmospheric air. They are very susceptible to stress and die very fast if they are subjected to it. ”
They recommend that you should call the 112 emergency services if you spot a stranded animal on the coast. They will contact an organisation that specialises in the rescue of this type of animal, and in case of not being able to send anyone to the area, will provide the necessary instructions to assist the animal without worsening their condition.
The group says that an animal that is stranded is often suffering from some type of problem that prevents it from continuing swimming. Returning it to the water might be condemning it to drown.
Equinac criticised the behaviour of the beach goers on Facebook, saying: “Once again we note that the human being is the most irrational species that exists.
