A Florida teenager is facing death threats after he took a baby dolphin out of the ocean for an Instagram photo, which ultimately resulted in the dolphin’s death. The 19-year-old posted a picture online, showing him smiling while holding the dolphin calf several feet out of the water on Amelia Island. The baby dolphin was discovered dead in the same area shortly after. This social media post caused outrage and led to investigations by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Committee [FWC] and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Dr. Quincy Gibson, a marine biology professor, reviewed the FWC’s report and confirmed that the dead dolphin found by wildlife officials is likely the same one in the photo. Dolphins have unique dorsal fins, and the shape of the fin matches the one in the photo. It is unclear whether the dolphin was alive or dead in the picture, but experts believe that if it was alive at the time, it would not have survived much longer.
A picture included in the FWC report shows the dolphin with signs of decomposition, such as bloating and bleeding from the mouth. Dr. Gibson believes that it is highly likely the dolphin died after the photo was taken but acknowledges there is a small chance it was deceased when the teenager picked it up. The man who posted the image defended himself online, claiming it was an accident. In response to criticism, he replied dismissively, stating that it was a “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Kevin Beaugrand, who reported the photo to state officials, expressed his outrage at the incident, calling it a “crime against nature.”
The teenager has not been charged with a crime yet, although interfering with wild dolphins, even if they are dead, is illegal under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Violators of this Act could face civil penalties of up to about $34,000 or criminal fines and up to a year in prison. The incident has garnered negative attention, and the teen has received death threats as a result. The investigation into this matter is ongoing, and it remains to be seen what consequences the teenager may face for his actions.