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Nature is as fragile as it is awe inspiring. And few examples are as obvious as when humans interact with animals. We have caused the extinction of countless species (Charles Darwin is even responsible for the extinction of the Galapagos tortoise, as he ate 40 on his way back from the island), and despite the fact that most of us have realized the errors of our previous ways, some are still less humane than the animals they kill. In a very ugly example of human uncaringness, Brazilian beachgoers leave baby dolphin for dead after countless selfies.
Selfies for the living
Unsurprisingly urging furious responses from animal preservation groups, animal lovers, and activists, the story of the baby dolphin left to die on a Brazilian beach after being taken out of the water for selfies has gotten the attention of a huge chunk of the world.
As the endangered baby La Plata dolphin was spotted swimming close to a beach in the resort town of Santa Teresita, a random beachgoer scooped it out of the water for a selfie. A bunch of a few dozen people stormed the area, all taking pictures with the terrified animal.
After the dozens of Brazilian amateur “photographers” were satisfied with the amount of pictures they took with the terrified baby sea mammal, they just left it for dead in the mud, not even bothering to attempt putting it back in the sea.
Nothing for the dying
The La Plata dolphins are also known as Franciscana dolphins and are on Red List of Threatened Species. Considered a vulnerable species, there are only about 30,000 animals left in the wild, as they are under constant threat from gill nets, which injure or drown the unfortunate dolphins.
As the only species of river dolphin to inhabit salt water, the La Plata are very special and rare, as well as extremely vulnerable. After being removed from the water, the animals have to be replaced very quickly, as their very thick and greasy skin immediately starts getting dehydrated once in contact with the weather.
But saving the animal wasn’t even in question, as the video footage of the uncaring beachgoers showed absolutely no attempts of replacing the baby dolphin in the water after the pictures were done being taken. It was simply tossed to the side, in the mud, motionless.
The Argentine Wildlife Foundation used the opportunity to raise awareness about the fragility of these shy, elusive creatures, reminding people to attempt rescuing the animals if the y have the opportunity, since they are so rare they are still surrounded in mystery and superstition.
Image source: Flickr
