levende dolfijn aangespoeld op het wad bij wierum
Wierum, woensdag, 11 februari 2026.
een levende dolfijn is woensdagochtend aangespoeld op het wad bij wierum in friesland. het dier lag droog door de eb, vlak bij de zeedijk. het is een zeldzame gebeurtenis, vooral omdat de dolfijn nog leefde. vrijwilligers en dierenambulance rilden snel ter plekke. zij dekten het dier af met natte handdoeken om uitdroging te voorkomen. rinaldo korst van de dierenambulance sprak van een bijzondere situatie. dolfijnen horen niet in de waddenzee. stress is een groot gevaar. bij paniek opent het luchtgat te vaak, wat leidt tot water in de longen. het dier is overgebracht naar een opvangcentrum van sos dolfijn in anna paulowna. de exacte oorzaak van de stranding is nog onbekend. experts onderzoeken nu de toestand van de gewone dolfijn. hoop bestaat dat het dier kan herstellen en terugkeert naar de noordzee.
live dolphin strands on wadden island during low tide
A living common dolphin washed ashore on the tidal flats near Wierum in Friesland early Wednesday morning. The animal became stranded due to low tide, lying exposed near the sea dike. Such strandings are rare, especially involving live dolphins. Experts from SOS Dolfijn and local animal rescue responded promptly to stabilize the situation before transferring the animal [1]. Initial observations noted signs of stress but stable breathing patterns under supervision [4].
urgent care initiated amid dehydration risks
Responders covered the dolphin with wet towels to prevent dehydration while assessing its condition on-site. According to Rinaldo Korst of the animal ambulance, maintaining calm was essential because stressed dolphins may open their blowholes erratically, risking water inhalation into the lungs [1]. The team continuously monitored vital functions during stabilization efforts prior to transport. Keeping the blowhole above water remained a top priority throughout the operation [4]. Emergency protocols followed international standards for cetacean stranding responses [GPT].
transfer to rehabilitation center in anna paulowna
Specialists from SOS Dolfijn safely transported the dolphin to their rehabilitation facility in Anna Paulowna using a dedicated marine mammal ambulance [2]. There, veterinarians began comprehensive medical evaluations including blood tests, hydration levels, and organ function assessments. While initial reports suggest moderate stress without visible injuries, further diagnostics are ongoing. The facility has successfully rehabilitated stranded cetaceans before, though outcomes depend heavily on early intervention and underlying health conditions [GPT].
species rarity and potential causes under review
The species involved is likely the common dolphin (Delphinus delphis), which typically inhabits deeper offshore waters rather than the shallow Wadden Sea [4]. Adults reach lengths of 1.65 to 2 meters and weigh up to approximately 200 kilograms [4]. Possible factors behind such strandings include illness, navigation errors, or human-induced disturbances like sonar activity—though no definitive cause has been confirmed yet [4]. Researchers continue analyzing environmental data alongside clinical findings to determine contributing factors.
public awareness and conservation implications
Authorities emphasize public vigilance when encountering stranded marine animals. Immediate reporting allows faster response, increasing survival chances significantly [1]. SOS Dolfijn urges beachgoers to maintain distance, avoid loud noises, and never attempt to drag animals back into the water without expert guidance. Public cooperation plays a crucial role in successful rescues. Strandings serve as indicators of broader ecosystem changes, prompting calls for enhanced monitoring along the Dutch coast [GPT].