Baby dolphin apparently dies after beachgoers pull it from water

Disturbing pictures and video show a baby dolphin apparently dying after being passed around by beachgoers in Argentina, sparking outrage on social media and a rebuke from the country's wildlife foundation.

According to Sky News, a throng of people gathered around the baby dolphin on the beach resort at Santa Teresita after it was plucked from the water. The animal apparently overheated and died while out of the water, Sky News reported.

Buenos Aires native Hernan Coria posted images on his Facebook page of a large crowd snapping photos of the small animal:

The Argentine affiliate of the World Wildlife Foundation posted a message on its website, reporting that two Franciscan dolphins had been pulled from the water by people at the beach, and at least one of the dolphins died.

"This incident should serve to remind people about he need to return these dolphins to the sea if one is found outside of the water," the statement read in Spanish. "It's fundamental that people help rescue these animals because every Franciscan has a value."

Video of at least one of the dead dolphins was posted to YouTube:

The incident sparked outrage on social media.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature classifies the Franciscan dolphin as a vulnerable species because of "a projected decline of more than 30% over three generations."

In:
• Argentina