An incident involving a dolphin calf on a beach in Ceuta has ignited public anger and prompted calls for an investigation. Eyewitnesses and local media report that a group of individuals, described as illegal migrants, pulled a dolphin calf from the water and allegedly struck it on the head with a stick, leading to its death.
The incident occurred on Trampolin Beach, where the calf was reportedly swimming close to the shore. Videos circulating online show some individuals holding the dolphin calf aloft as if it were a trophy, while others are heard arguing with them. Locals attempted to intervene, warning the group that touching or harming the protected marine mammal was illegal.
According to reports, a cleaning worker from Ecoservicios witnessed the event and intervened, advising the group to contact an animal collection service and not to handle the animal. Despite these warnings, the calf was reportedly handled roughly and struck on the head.
A petition has been launched online demanding that those responsible be identified and prosecuted. The petition organizer stated that the dolphin calf was "brutally pulled from the water" and handled "as if it were an object." The petition highlights that dolphins are strictly protected species under Spanish and European laws, and mistreatment constitutes a serious criminal offense.
The petition calls for the Government Delegation in Ceuta, the Department of the Environment, and SEPRONA (Spain's nature protection service) to act urgently to identify those involved and apply the maximum penalties for animal abuse resulting in death.
The incident took place amidst a continued presence of thousands of North African migrants in Ceuta, an enclave that experienced a significant influx late last month. Many of these migrants remain in temporary holding centers or are sleeping rough due to a lack of accommodation.
This event also occurs in the context of recent tensions and incidents in Ceuta. Thousands of people have participated in demonstrations across Spain to express support for Ceuta and protest the government's handling of the migrant situation. Separately, a Spanish woman was arrested in Ceuta for allegedly stabbing a man believed to be a Moroccan migrant in her home. Prosecutors in Ceuta have also reported a number of alleged sexual assaults since the mass border breach, with investigations ongoing into several cases.