A dolphin found stranded on Blooming Point Beach in October last year underwent a necropsy revealing a severe infestation of parasites. Tonya Wimmer, Marine Animal Response Society’s co-executive director, stated that the dolphin suffered from severe pneumonia due to lungworm infestation, leading to breathing difficulties. The distressed female common dolphin was discovered on the evening of October 10, 2025, with initial observers noting its seemingly good condition.
Upon fisheries officials’ arrival an hour later, the dolphin was alive but struggling to breathe. Due to the late hour, windy weather, and safety concerns, authorities decided to re-evaluate the situation the following day. Unfortunately, by then, the dolphin had succumbed to its condition. Provincial staff retrieved the carcass and transferred it to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown for further examination.
Veterinarians conducting the necropsy discovered the dolphin had a heavy infestation of lungworms and flatworms, known as flukes, in its ears. These parasites likely disoriented the dolphin, contributing to its stranding. Wimmer emphasized the dolphin’s poor health and the challenges it faced.
She highlighted the abnormality of dolphins being alone, as they typically travel in groups. Parasites may have weakened the dolphin, preventing it from staying with its pod. Wimmer stressed the importance of being prepared to respond to such situations and the natural occurrence of wildlife becoming disoriented and stranded.
Despite the sadness of such incidents, Wimmer commended the public’s caring and passionate response towards distressed animals. It serves as a reminder of the importance of wildlife conservation and timely intervention in such cases.
