On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Aruba Marine Mammal Foundation (AMMF) responded to a deceased juvenile female Pantropical spotted dolphin (Stenella attenuata) at Mangel Halto Beach. The animal was carefully transported to a secure location for documentation, morphometric measurements, necropsy, and skeleton preservation for scientific study.
According to witness accounts, three dolphins were initially observed with one of them in the shallow area showing distress behavior. Some bathers were swimming with the dolphin and taking pictures; it was brought to shore when it died, at which point AMMF was contacted.
AMMF reminds the public to be aware that the shallow waters at Malmok, Palm Beach, Eagle Beach, Surfside, Southreef, Mangel Halto, Roger’s beach, inherently are coastal emergency dolphin refuges and therefore the marine mammal encounter code of conduct needs to be strictly adhered to. These dolphins do not appear in these areas for human entertainment, but to rest and recover from a weakened condition, and safely away from predators (orca and sharks). Swimmers and boaters are urged to maintain a safe distance from sheltering dolphins, best is to depart from the water, refrain from touching them, and to contact AMMF (5924333) immediately for assistance by trained responders.
Compromised dolphins individuals that are exhausted, injured, diseased, calving, or nursing—are often accompanied by supportive companions and routinely seek refuge in these areas. Disturbing these dolphins puts both their survival and your own safety at risk.
Engaging in activities like swimming in close proximity can physically exhaust an already struggling dolphin; it also prevents natural behaviors and stops companion dolphins from providing aid. Holding onto a dolphin prevents it from surfacing to breathe. Furthermore, attempting to force a compromised dolphin from shallow water back into the deep before it has recovered its strength may inadvertently cause the animal to drown.
Dolphins (and whales) are protected by law. Disturbing or causing harm to dolphins are prohibited under the Aruba National Decree on the Protection of Indigenous Flora and Fauna (AB 2017.48, Art. 1.b.3) and the Aruba Nature Ordinance (AB 1995, No. 2, Arts. 4.1, 5, 6, 7).
AMMF appeals to the public to unite and help protect Aruba’s sheltering dolphins and their refuges. We extend sincere gratitude to all supporters and partners involved in the protection of Aruba’s marine mammals, as well as to the individuals who reported the incident, provided information, and assisted with this Pantropical spotted dolphin stranding, Aruba Conservation Foundation, and the Aruba Police Force.