A dolphin found stranded on Blooming Point Beach in October underwent a necropsy revealing a severe parasite infestation. Tonya Wimmer, from the Marine Animal Response Society, disclosed that the dolphin suffered from severe pneumonia caused by lungworms, impacting its ability to breathe. The discovery was made after a call on the evening of October 10, 2025, reporting the incident. Although initially perceived to be in decent condition by witnesses, the dolphin was struggling to breathe when fisheries officials arrived about an hour later.
Due to late hours, windy conditions, and safety concerns, officials decided to delay intervention until the next morning. Unfortunately, by the time they returned, the dolphin had passed away. The carcass was then transported to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative for examination, which revealed the dolphin’s compromised health status.
Further investigations showed the presence of trematodes, also known as flukes, in the dolphin’s ears, potentially causing disorientation and contributing to its stranding. Wimmer highlighted the importance of recognizing signs of distress in wildlife and responding appropriately to aid in their well-being. The incident serves as a reminder of the natural challenges animals face, prompting compassion and care from concerned individuals towards wildlife encounters.