A dolphin that was stranded and rescued from a beach in San Pedro died Tuesday after receiving medical care at SeaWorld San Diego, the park said.
The animal, an 8-foot-long Risso’s dolphin was first spotted Saturday morning at Royal Palms Beach, where Los Angeles County lifeguards helped keep it alive by pouring water over it.
With the help of Marine Animal Rescue director Peter Wallerstein and three members of the public, the animal was moved off the rocky beach to a car center where lifesaving efforts continued.
The dolphin was transferred to SeaWorld San Diego, where was given a broad spectrum antibiotic and 24-hour care, according to a statement from the theme park. The dolphin was in guarded but stable condition until he began to decline Tuesday, SeaWorld said in a statement.
The dolphin, believed to be about 1 year old, died shortly after 3 p.m.
“The rescue team is really disappointed,” said Jody Westberg, SeaWorld San Diego’s stranded animal coordinator, in the statement.
“This was a unique opportunity to rehabilitate such a rarely seen dolphin. We are very saddened by his death, but the knowledge we gained from this process will make us that much more prepared to take care of the next Risso’s dolphin that needs our help.”
A necropsy was set to be performed to try to determine the cause of death.
