A rare dolphin which was rescued by volunteers just a few weeks ago has been found dead on the shores of the Black Isle.
The Risso’s dolphin, a species which is normally found in much deeper water, has been found washed up near Munlochy Bay.
Experts reported yesterday that they believed it was the same dolphin that was saved last month by volunteers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue and the SSPCA.
It had become stranded on January 9 near Redcastle, on the Black Isle, but was re-floated in the Beauly Firth.
Nick Davison, stranding co-ordinator at the Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme (SMASS), said: “Before it was put back in the sea it was measured and photographed, so we know the size.
“The measurements match. We’re pretty confident it’s the same animal.
“It was not in the best of health, but it was re-floated with good intentions.
“It was found by someone walking their dog. It may have been there for a couple of days.”
Mr Davison added: “It’s unusual to find Risso’s dolphins in this location. There’s a good population of them in the Minch.
“You would expect to see them there, and in and around Orkney and Shetland, but it’s a bit unusual to find them in the firth.”
Samples were taken of the dolphin, but staff at the SMASS were unable to determine the cause of death.
Risso’s dolphin is named after Antoine Risso, whose description formed the basis of the first public description of the animal, by Georges Cuvier, in 1812.
Also known as “grampus”, they are generally larger than the bottlenose dolphins more commonly found in the Cromarty, Beauly and Moray firths, typically measuring about 10ft.
It is the largest dolphin species, weighing up to 1,100lb.