Swan River dolphin calf dead after becoming tangled in crab net

A mother dolphin is grieving for her dead calf after it became tangled in an abandoned crab net and died.

The calf was found dead at Claremont Bay after becoming entangled in the drop net.

Dolphin mother Moon was swimming alongside the calf when the pair were found by the Parks and Wildlife on Monday after being reported by a member of the public.

In a post on Facebook, Parks and Wildlife wrote that the dead calf has been freed from the crab pot, but remains in the water with the mother dolphin as she grieves.

“Dolphins are highly intelligent creatures and are known to stay with their young for a period of time following a death,” the post said.

“We will continue to monitor the pair and remove the calf when appropriate to do so.

“We ask the public to stay well away from the dolphin and her dead calf during this time.”

“This is a timely reminder to safely dispose of all fishing lines and ropes and report any tangled wildlife immediately to the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055.”