A dolphin found stranded on Blooming Point Beach in October last year underwent a necropsy revealing a severe infestation of parasites. Tonya Wimmer, co-executive director of the Marine Animal Response Society, disclosed that the dolphin suffered from intense pneumonia due to a heavy lungworm infestation, impacting its ability to breathe properly.
The distress call about the stranded female common dolphin was received on the evening of October 10, 2025. Witnesses initially assessed the dolphin as being in relatively good condition. Fisheries officials arrived at the scene approximately an hour later, finding the dolphin alive but struggling to breathe.
Due to the late hour, windy weather conditions, and safety concerns, officials made the difficult decision to leave the dolphin overnight and reassess the situation the next day. Unfortunately, by the following morning, the dolphin had passed away. Subsequently, the carcass was retrieved by provincial staff and transferred to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown for further examination.
The necropsy conducted by veterinarians revealed the dolphin’s compromised health condition, including a significant infestation of lungworms and flatworms known as trematodes in its ears. These parasites likely disoriented the dolphin, leading to its stranding. Wimmer emphasized the importance of responding promptly to such incidents and highlighted the significance of observing wildlife behavior to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
Discovering a lone dolphin is alarming as they typically travel in groups. The dolphin’s health issues may have hindered its ability to keep up with its pod. Wimmer stressed the natural occurrence of wildlife becoming disoriented and stranded, urging people to be vigilant and compassionate towards animals in distress.