An animal rescue and rehabilitation center reported that a group of eight dolphins became stranded on two New Jersey beaches on Tuesday, ultimately resulting in their deaths, ABC News reported.

The dolphins were discovered on the 50th and 52nd Street beaches in Sea Isle City. Officials cautioned the public against approaching the animals and dispatched police and state workers to assist in their rescue.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center reported that two of the dolphins passed away on one of the beaches, while the remaining six were humanely euthanized by the organization’s veterinarian.

An assessment of the dolphins’ condition revealed that their health was deteriorating, leading to the difficult decision to end their suffering, as reported by ABC News.

“The decision was made to humanely euthanize the dolphins to prevent further suffering, as returning them to the ocean would have only prolonged their inevitable death,” Marine Mammal Stranding Center said in a statement posted on Facebook.

“We share in the public’s sorrow for these beautiful animals and hope that the necropsies will help us understand the reason for their stranding,” Marine Mammal Stranding Center said.

Written by staff