Dead Risso's Dolphin Washes Ashore

A dead Risso's dolphin measuring approximately 10 feet in length washed ashore at Torrance Beach on Wednesday. 

The dolphin, which is part of one of the larger species of dolphins, had been spotted over the past few days by paddlers around Flat Rock, according to Los Angeles County Lifeguard Capt. Tracy Lizotte. 

"It has been seen in the area for over a week," Lizotte told Patch.

According to Lizotte, the Los Angeles Natural History Museum will perform a necropsy on the dolphin Thursday to determine if there is anything distinctive about it and whether it needs to be preserved or simply buried at the beach.

Lizotte said it is common practice to bury marine animals that wash ashore in more secluded parts of the beach.

"That is what we do with all the animals that show up," Lizotte said. "That is what would happen if we weren't here."

Lizotte, who said a Risso's dolphin in the South Bay is a rare sight compared to the aptly named common dolphins, suspected the dolphin may have died of old age.

"The scars (on the dolphin's back) give you an indication that it is probably and old animal," Lizotte said. "More of an old age issue than anything else."

The deceased dolphin also had multiple bite marks and large pieces of flesh missing on its back, which Lizotte said most likely happened posthumously from other hungry sea creatures.

According to the American Cetacean Society, Risso's dolphins generally reside in deeper waters and for the most part, are not seen close to shore. Once thought to be a rare species, experts now think that was a misconception due to the dolphins' offshore territory.