A young Risso’s dolphin found stranded at Manly Beach has died after being taken to Taronga Zoo, with rescue teams and locals unable to reverse its decline.
Locals Rally to Help
The Risso’s dolphin calf was found struggling on the rocks near the Manly Surf Life Saving Club around 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5. Measuring about 1.5 metres, it had visible bite wounds and laboured breathing.
Locals rushed to help, using wet towels, seawater, and shallow trenches to support the calf. ORRCA later identified it as a young Risso’s dolphin with minor shark bite wounds.
Working alongside NSW National Parks staff and local volunteers, the team helped stabilise the calf, whose rapid breathing eventually slowed. It was then moved from the rocks to the sand and later transported to Taronga Zoo for assessment.
Transported for Care, But Outcome Was Grim
Despite efforts from volunteers, officers and zoo staff, the dolphin’s condition worsened, and experts at Taronga Zoo chose humane euthanasia.
A necropsy is underway to determine the cause of the stranding, with shark bites noted but not seen as the only factor. ORRCA thanked all involved, including their team, NSW National Parks, Taronga Zoo and the public.
Unusual Sighting Raises Questions
Risso’s dolphins typically live in deep waters and are rarely seen near shore. Experts say disorientation, illness, or chasing prey may have led the calf into Manly’s shallows. Their strong social bonds can also leave lone individuals vulnerable if separated from their group.
This rare appearance near a busy beach has added to calls for more research into marine health and behaviour off the New South Wales coast.
What to Do if You Spot a Marine Mammal in Trouble
Rescue groups like ORRCA urge the public to stay calm and take proper steps if they encounter a stranded or distressed marine animal.
If you see a distressed whale, dolphin or seal, call ORRCA’s 24/7 Rescue Hotline on (02) 9415 3333. Stay quiet, keep clear of the water’s edge, and ask others to do the same.
ORRCA is a registered charity run entirely by volunteers. Donations support the purchase of rescue equipment and help make emergency responses, like this one at Manly Beach, possible.
Published 8-May-2025
