Migrants in the Spanish North African enclave of Ceuta were captured on video beating a young dolphin calf, an incident that has sparked outrage among local residents and led to calls for prosecution. The video, circulating online, shows a group of men and boys lifting what appeared to be a baby bottlenose dolphin above their heads on El Trampolin beach.
Eyewitnesses and local media reported that the dolphin swam too close to shore before the group pulled it from the water. The animal was allegedly struck on the head with a stick, causing its death, according to a social media post by Nadia Garcia Gomez, who announced a petition to have those involved arrested. Gomez described the actions as "extreme and unjustifiable cruelty." Dolphins are a protected species under Spanish and European laws.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, September 2, 2026. Some individuals in the video were seen cheering, while others were heard shouting "no," and some appeared concerned about the marine mammal's treatment. The dolphin calf was eventually placed back into the water.
The celebration and alleged mistreatment of the dolphin enraged local residents, some of whom attempted to intervene during the confrontation. Other residents have called for the migrants involved to be prosecuted and expelled from the country.
Ceuta has experienced a significant influx of migrants from neighboring Morocco. In July, more than 70,000 migrants reportedly entered the small enclave, though thousands have remained despite many returning home shortly after.
In response to the ongoing migrant situation, some residents have demanded deportations and tougher action from the central government in Madrid. Last week, angry locals were seen tearing down migrant tents and shelters at the beach.
