Beggar the Dolphin Found Dead in Sarasota, FL

freewebs.com photo of Beggar

Beggar, a well-loved bottlenose dolphin who frequented the waters of Sarasota Bay, was found dead near the Albee Road Bridge.  The dolphin approached boaters in that area for over 20 years and developed a local following as well as achieving star status as a tourist attraction.

All of that attention might have contributed to his demise, according to Gretchen Lovewell, Mote Marine Laboratory's manager of stranding investigations, who performed a necropsy on Beggar to determine the cause of death.


The results of her examination include the following:

Multiple broken ribs and vertebrae

Two stingray barbs. One reached the small intestine and one close to the lungs

Boat wounds on the dorsal fin, which appeared to have healed.

Healed puncture on right pectoral fin

Possible boat wound on right side

Healed puncture wound between blowhole and dorsal fin

Beggar had multiple broken ribs and vertebrae.

Three fishing hooks and bits of fishing line in his stomach

Two squid beaks, which aren't part of a normal dolphin's dining

Several ulcers in his third stomach

Dehydration

underwatertimes.com

People often succumbed to Beggar's cuteness and fed him food and beverages no water dweller can properly ingest---hot dogs, beer, and potato chips among them.  Thanks to the Marine Mammal Protection Act, anyone found guilty of feeding a wild dolphin will receive a fine of up to $100,000 and a year in jail.

Ham on Wry joins the mourners who were stunned by Beggar's death and hope it serves as a warning to those who think feeding dolphins people food poses no problems.  It does!