Find local news in Kent

Home   Folkestone   News   Article

Dolphin dies and becomes stranded on rocks at The Warren, Folkestone

12:45, 26 February 2021

updated: 10:55, 02 March 2021

Beach walkers discovered a dead dolphin which had become stranded on rocks.

The poor creature, believed to be a common dolphin, was found at The Warren in Folkestone.

The dolphin was found on the rocks at The Warren. Picture: Denis Cooling
The dolphin was found on the rocks at The Warren. Picture: Denis Cooling

Denis Cooling, who first saw it on Tuesday, says the dolphin is still on the rocks today and is being pushed further along the coast by the tide.

He warns others not to touch it or let their dogs near it as they can carry diseases.

Mr Cooling reported the dolphin to Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) and the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme, which has added it to their database.

The dolphin was also spotted by Bec Sharp, who noticed it appears to be injured.

Common dolphins are protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

The dolphin appears to have been injured. Picture: Bec Sharp
The dolphin appears to have been injured. Picture: Bec Sharp

They are an offshore species, but are known to often come close to shore to feed - their diet consisting mainly of fish and squid.

FHDC said: "Having received a report, we visited the area but were unable to find the dolphin. We suspect it has been washed back into the sea."

Earlier this week, the body of a dolphin was found at Minnis Bay.

Read more: All the latest news from Folkestone

Escaped animals, unusual finds and news from the RSPCA can all be found here

This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More