This Florida teenager has allegedly killed, although indirectly, a baby dolphin.
In a world increasingly driven by the pursuit of viral moments, the boundaries of ethical behavior often blur.
A Florida teenager has been accused of killing a baby dolphin – the dolphin was found dead after having been picked up and posed with for an Instagram Photo.
How Can Dolphins Suffocate If They Breathe Air?
Dolphins are marine mammals, which means they breathe air, unlike fish that extract oxygen from water using gills.
Despite this, dolphins can still suffocate – and baby dolphins are especially vulnerable.
When dolphins are removed from the water, they lose the buoyant support that water provides. This can put pressure on their organs and muscles, making it harder for them to breathe.
Additionally, their blowhole can become obstructed, preventing them from inhaling air.
Florida Teenager Kills Baby Dolphin: What Happened?
©DailyMail
In a shocking incident that has captured global attention, a 19-year-old teenager from Florida plucked a baby dolphin from the sea to take a selfie with it.
The act, showcased the teenager proudly holding the baby dolphin in his arms, with the purpose of posting it on Instagram. This act can be fatal for marine animals like dolphins, as removing them from the water can lead to suffocation.
The young dolphin was later found dead under a bridge near the Nassau Sound close to Jacksonville.
It serves to be underlined that the matter is still under investigation. However, all evidence points towards the Florida teenager being responsible for the baby dolphin’s death.
How Do We Know It’s the Same Dolphin?
Various marine biologists have confirmed the identity of the dead dolphin.
They could confirm the identity based on the unique dorsal fins, which compared to the picture that the Florida teeager had posted on Instagram.
This evidence, combined with the location where the dolphin was found, makes it highly likely that the dead dolphin is the same one that the teenager posed with.
Protected Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act
The Marine Mammal Protection Act makes it illegal to interfere with wild dolphins, even if they are already dead.
The teenager, if prosecuted for violating the Marine Mammal Protection Act, could face civil penalties up to about $34,000. Additionally, he might face criminal fines or prison for up to a year.
The teenager, despite his actions, has not been charged with a crime yet. However, the incident is under investigation by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee.
The Public Outrage
The incident has sparked global outrage, with many condemning the teenager’s actions.
Posts on social media were met with fury and were eventually deleted due to the backlash. Kevin Beaugrand, who reported the photo to state officials, expressed his anger, stating, “I was immediately enraged. It’s a crime against nature.”
The incident serves as a grim reminder of the consequences of human interference with wildlife, especially for the sake of social media validation.
The Teenager’s Defence
In the face of mounting criticism, the teenager defended his actions, claiming the death was an “accident.” He stated that the photo was a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity. Moreover, he even suggested that the dolphin was already dead when he found it.
In response to a critic, he reportedly said, “whatever”. He described the incident as a “once in a lifetime to catch a dolphin as bycatch from the shore.”
Despite his defense, the evidence suggests that the dolphin was potentially alive at the time of the picture.
What We Do For Social Media
The incident underscores the lengths to which individuals might go for social media validation. In the age of instant gratification and the pursuit of online fame, wildlife often pays the price.
It’s essential to remember that wild animals are not props for photos or videos.
They have their own lives, ecosystems, and rights. As users and consumers of social media, it’s our responsibility to condemn such acts. It’s crucial that we prioritize our planet’s inhabitants over fleeting online trends.
Florida Teenager Kills Baby Dolphin: Conclusion
In the age of digital validation, the tragic incident involving a Florida teenager and a baby dolphin underscores the dire consequences of reckless actions for fleeting online fame.
It’s imperative to prioritize the well-being of our planet’s inhabitants over momentary social media trends, ensuring such tragedies are not repeated.
Thank you for reading this article about the Florida teenager who killed a baby dolphin in pursuit of Insta-fame!
If you enjoyed this, take take a look at some more marine life:
- Dolphin Saves Dog That Fell Into The Sea From A Boat
- A Heartwarming Rescue of a Baby Dolphin
- Orca Mother Carries Dead Calf For 17 Days Across 1,000 Miles
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