A dolphin found stranded on Blooming Point Beach in October last year underwent a necropsy revealing a severe parasite infestation. Tonya Wimmer, co-executive director of the Marine Animal Response Society, disclosed that the dolphin had developed severe pneumonia due to a heavy load of lungworms, hindering its breathing.
The distress call about the stranded female dolphin was received on the evening of October 10, 2025. Witnesses initially thought the dolphin was in decent condition. Fisheries officials arrived an hour later, observing the dolphin struggling to breathe but still alive.
Due to late hours, windy weather, and safety concerns, officials decided to postpone intervention until the next morning. Unfortunately, by then, the dolphin had passed away. The carcass was later retrieved by provincial staff and examined at the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative for insights into its solitary state and stranding causes.
Veterinarians discovered additional flatworm infestations, known as trematodes or flukes, in the dolphin’s ears, potentially contributing to its disorientation and stranding. Wimmer emphasized the dolphin’s poor health condition, attributing the stranding to various factors.
She highlighted the unusual nature of dolphins being found alone as they typically travel in groups. The infestations might have weakened the dolphin to the point of isolation from its pod. Wimmer stressed the natural occurrence of wildlife becoming disoriented and stranded, urging people to be vigilant and responsive to such situations.
She expressed gratitude for the public’s concern and compassion towards marine animals, emphasizing the importance of understanding and responding to wildlife incidents effectively.