Stranded Dolphin Calf Rescued From Elkhorn Slough Euthanized

MOSS LANDING (CBS SF) -- Veterinarians late Saturday afternoon euthanized a stranded dolphin calf found in the Elkhorn Slough in the Prunedale area of unincorporated Monterey County, a spokeswoman for the Marine Mammal Center said.

The dolphin stranded itself on a sandbar at about 3 p.m. Friday, but was swimming again on Saturday, officials with Wildlife Emergency Services said.

A rescue team from the mammal center found the calf in deteriorating condition and attempts to find its mother were unsuccessful, center spokeswoman Laura Sherr said.

The calf was not old enough to care for itself, Sherr said.

After a search for the mother by boat and a flyover by the U.S. Coast Guard both proved unsuccessful, the rescue team determined the most humane thing to do was to put the calf to sleep, she said.

The center's veterinarians consulted with the National Marine Fisheries Service before euthanizing the animal, Sherr said.

A beached dolphin was photographed north of Kirby Park, in the Elkhorn Slough Reserve. (photo via Wildlife Emergency Services)