Tragic Photograph Emerges Of Dolphin Carrying Its Dead Calf After Being Caught In Trap

Another sad story of human interference in the oceans

As our planet nears a population of 8 billion, it’s so important to think about the impact we’re having on our planet – particularly when it comes to the pollution in our oceans.

Over the last year or so, there has been a noticeable increase the amount of media attention that the issue is getting. Sadly, more often than not, this comes in the form of a tragic story, and today is no exception.

Devastating pictures have been circulating on social media and news outlets, showing a dolphin carrying its dead calf in the waters of Western Australia, after it was caught in a trap left for crabs. The Dolphin can be seen pushing around its calf off the shores of Perth, and it really is the saddest thing to see.

Parks and Wildlife Western Australia said in a statement: “A sad outcome for one of the Swan Canning Riverpark’s new dolphin calves.

“The calf was found deceased in Claremont Bay after becoming entangled in a crab pot. Mother Moon was swimming alongside the calf when the pair was located by the Parks and Wildlife Service on Monday after being reported by a member of the public.

“The dead calf has since been freed from the crab pot, but remains in the water with the mother dolphin as she grieves. Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures and are known to stay with their young for a period of time following a death.

Even as someone who absolutely loves dolphins, I had no idea about that they had a tendency to do that – how very sad. Dolphins are such wonderful, sensitive creatures.

“We will continue to monitor the pair and remove the calf when appropriate to do so. We ask the public to stay well away from the dolphin and her dead calf during this time.”

“This is a timely reminder to safely dispose of all fishing lines and ropes and report any tangled wildlife immediately.”

The picture has been shared by thousands of people online, the vast majority of whom were hugely upset by what they saw. As you might expect, people who have seen the picture on social media have been quick to vent their frustrations in their captions and comments.

One person took the opportunity to vent about the irresponsibility of fishermen in general: “Bloody Fisherman and their gear. Hate them all. So over having to clean up after their mess and seeing bait bags, monofilament lines, sinkers, hooks and nets in the water killing marine life and polluting the ocean.”

Another social media user simply wrote: “Humans are disgusting.”

I don’t want to get too misanthropic here, but you can kind of understand the sentiment behind that last comment, given the image it was referring to. As the dominant species on the planet, we really need to do our best to minimize the impact we have on other living creatures.

Let’s hope this issue continues to get the attention that it deserves. AAx

Image credits: Parks And Wildlife Western Australia

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