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Dead dolphin 'Marra' died of blood poisoning
On 21 December 2006, experts undertaking the post mortem on Marra the dolphin have stated that she died of natural causes, blood poisoning caused by a wound. The animal's proximity to the shoreline put her in danger from being hit by boats as well as placing her in polluted, shallow water.
We were saddened to report that the dolphin remains found on a beach at Skinburness, Cumbria were almost certainly those of the solitary dolphin known as Marra who frequented this stretch of coastline for some time.
Pathologists at ZSL worked at great length on 14 December, to identify the animal and ascertain the cause of death, eventually drawing their conclusions from the sex of the animal, the area she was found plus identifiable wounds on the tail stock which co-incide with the position and type of those also found on Marra. To be 100% certain of the identification of this dolphin pathologists would ideally have carried out DNA tests to match with previously collected DNA samples, however as none exist to facilitate this, on this occasion it was not a viable option.
However further investigation into the cause of death etc. was hindered due to the fact that some of the vital organs were missing, including the stomach, which were probably washed out to sea during the dismembering process. This is very unfortunate as examination of the stomach contents would have confirmed if the animal had eaten recently. However apart from the lower jaw which was missing, presumably taken intentionally while the dolphins body lay on the beach, the dolphin's general body condition was said to be very good. It is hoped that added information may become available over the coming weeks, following further analysis of samples taken during the post-mortem.
 Lissa Goodwin, Fisheries & Policy Officer for the Marine Connection states; "Since arriving off our shores Marra has brought smiles to many faces. Having been directly involved with the rescue of Marra from the marina in Maryport I watched people cry tears of joy as she was released. From that moment I have followed her whereabouts and worked with others in an attempt to protect her further. I hope that Marra will stand as a reminder to all of the action which is surely required to protect the whales, dolphins and porpoises which grace our shores."
Margaux Dodds, Director of Marine Connection added; “The loss of any dolphin is upsetting, however this holds especially true if the animal has frequented a specific area for any length of time as the public become familiar with the presence of the animal. I very much feel for the volunteers who have monitored and tried to protect Marra since her arrival in the area, to bring the animal successfully through previous difficulties and now to be faced with the discovery of this carcass which evidence would seem to indicate is that of Marra, must be extremely distressing for them, and certainly is for the Marine Connection and others concerned for the welfare and protection of these animals in our coastal waters”.
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