Featured Image Credit: J.R Waits
By Sarah Sharkey
Earlier this summer, two dolphins in Charleston were spotted trying to help their friend. Unfortunately, the third dolphin was dead. Fishing Charter Captain J.R. Waits filmed the interaction between the live dolphins and the dead dolphin. It is truly heartbreaking to watch.
The video offers a glimpse into the relationships that these animals form with each other. Meghan Galipeau, dolphin researcher, says that it is impossible to say exactly what they are doing, but it is likely that they are trying to help their friend.
Galipeau reminded the public that “If someone was to come upon or find a dead or dying animal, it’s best not to touch them or approach them but rather to call the Department of Natural Resources and let the experts take care of that animal. You don’t want to try and push the animal back out in the water or approach them. Not only is that not safe for the animal, for the people, it’s also against the law. “
NOAA, The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, performed a necropsy and decided that the dolphin had probably been dead in the water for days before human contact. The dolphin was a 7 foot female with marks that indicated an entanglement with a line.