Ocean Sentry
The dolphin was discovered in shallow water at Chidley Point, near Point Walter, at 10.30am on Friday by pedestrians. Onlookers say the mother of the bottlenose dolphin appeared distressed and was circling the dead juvenile while displaying protective behaviour.
The Swan River Trust retrieved the dolphin and its body has been sent to Murdoch University for testing.
The cause of death is unknown.
A group of 25 dolphins live in the Swan River. Researchers say the creatures are suffering because people are encouraging them to move dangerously close to boats for food.
In the past dolphins have been killed by becoming entangled in fishing line or sliced by boat propellers.
Over the last two years the number of dolphin calves killed in the Swan River has doubled.
(From news.com.au, Swan River, Western Australia)
