Agony and death of a newborn bottlenose dolphin calf in the Amvrakikos Gulf (2)

On the 3rd of July, 2008, Tethys researchers Joan Gonzalvo and Elisa Malevolti observed and filmed the agony of a newborn bottlenose dolphin in the semi-closed waters of the Amvrakikos Gulf, western Greece.

The observation lasted about 45 min. The newborn eventually died and sunk in the green murky waters of the Gulf, disappearing from view. The adult dolphins who had been surrounding and assisting the baby left the area. They were followed for about 20 min as they moved away from the place where the newborn had died.

The observations were documented by a video and 104 digital photos.

Watch the video and a selection of 33 photos

---
For additional information on bottlenose dolphins in the Amvrakikos Gulf see:
Bearzi G., Agazzi S., Bonizzoni S., Costa M., Azzellino A. 2008. Dolphins in a bottle: abundance, residency patterns and conservation of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the semi-closed eutrophic Amvrakikos Gulf, Greece. Aquatic Conservation: Marine and Freshwater Ecosystems 18(2):130-146. (502 Kb)