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A common dolphin was stranded bayside creek near Meadow Ave. in Monmouth Beach, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said. The male dolphin was lying unsupported on the thick mud of the nearly dry creek bed. Monmouth Beach police, the Monmouth Beach Department of Public Works and local residents kept the dolphin comfortable by spraying him with water, the MMSC said.
The team worked together in a coordinated effort to secure the dolphin in a stretcher. Using a forklift, the construction team safely lifted the stretcher out of the creek and to the Stranding Response Vehicle waiting nearby, the MMSC said.
A veterinarian founded the dolphin to be underweight, weak and lethargic with lesions on multiple parts of his body, the MMSC said. The dolphin also had abrasions on his flukes and pectoral fins. The decision was made to humanely euthanize the dolphin to prevent further suffering, the MMSC said.
"We want to extend our gratitude to the Monmouth Beach Police Department, Monmouth Beach Department of Public Works, Schiavone Construction, MMSC volunteers, and the many Good Samaritans for your assistance today," the Marine Mammal Stranding Center said. "Seeing the community come together to support our team and do whatever they could to help this beautiful dolphin in his final moments was inspiring."
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