This Dolphin Died Because Beachgoers Wanted a Selfie

At least one dolphin died this month after beachgoers in Argentina scrambled to hold the animal and take a selfie while it was out of the water, a wildlife foundation said this week.

Argentina’s Wildlife Foundation warned this week that the animal belongs to a rare subset of dolphins found only in the waters off of Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil. Dolphins of this type, at around five feet long, can be easily held and carried by humans.

The statement from the Wildlife Foundation condemned photos posted on Facebook showing a crowd of people in beach attire clamoring to hold the animal while its out of the water. The story has attracted international attention and prompted calls of anger from animal rights activists.