JEMBRANA, DEWATA.NEWS – A bottlenose dolphin was found dead after washing ashore on Batu Kebo Beach in Melaya, Jembrana, on Monday morning (April 27), prompting a joint response from local residents and police.
The marine mammal was first discovered at around 07:00 WITA by a local resident identified as Aulia (35), who initially did not realize the animal was a dolphin.
“The dolphin was found by a resident passing along the beach. It was already dead when discovered,” said Melaya Police Chief Kompol I Ketut Sukadana when confirmed on Monday.
The incident quickly drew attention from nearby residents. To prevent environmental issues such as odor and contamination, authorities moved promptly to handle the situation.
Police officers from Melaya Police Station, assisted by local residents, buried the carcass near the discovery site.
“The dolphin carcass has been buried by residents with assistance from our personnel near the location,” Sukadana added.
The burial was carried out as a precautionary measure to maintain cleanliness along the coastal area.
The cause of death remains unknown, as no necropsy was conducted on the animal.
The incident highlights occasional marine wildlife strandings along Bali’s coastline, which can occur due to various natural or environmental factors.