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Grieving dolphin spotted carrying dead calf off New Zealand coast

A grieving dolphin carrying her dead baby has been spotted in waters off New Zealand’s North Island.

The bottlenose dolphin was seen at the Bay of Islands on the east coast on Tuesday and was pictured carrying her dead calf alongside another dolphin.

The Department of Conservation warned residents to give the dolphin “space and time” to grieve the death of her young, suspecting it to be stillborn.

A grieving bottlenose dolphin has been spotted carrying her dead calf (top) in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Source: Department of Conservation
A grieving bottlenose dolphin has been spotted carrying her dead calf (top) in Bay of Islands, New Zealand. Source: Department of Conservation

It added the mother was currently “displaying a strong maternal bond”.

The department’s Dr Catherine Peters said people should avoid dolphins in the area during this period.

“This female needs everyone on the water to give her the extra space and respect she needs whilst she copes with her loss,” she said.

The mother has dropped the calf “frequently” while swimming with a group which has separated from her at times, leaving the mammal vulnerable.

Pictures of the grieving mother were shared by the department on Twitter with many left heartbroken.

Bay of Islands as seen from Motuarohia Island. Source: Google Maps (file pic)
Bay of Islands as seen from Motuarohia Island. Source: Google Maps (file pic)

“This is so sad,” one user tweeted.

Another added: “No matter what the species is this is heartbreaking.”

Bay of Islands is a summer hotspot with many undertaking activities in the water.

Summer is also the time when most dolphins give birth and if disturbed it prevents many of them from giving the necessary care to their calves.

In July last year, a grieving mother killer whale was spotted pushing her dead calf around waters in Canada for a week.

Scientists were concerned the whale was starving herself.

After travelling 1600 kilometres in 17 days she finally let the calf go.