DoC believes the head was removed using a tool or implement.
“We can’t confirm what the cause of death was and will not be able to. The dolphin was already in a state of decay when it was found, so a necropsy was unlikely to give us any more information.”
DoC’s marine scientists believe it is a bottlenose, fully protected under the Marine Mammals Act 1978.
It is an offence to take or possess any part of a marine mammal without a DoC permit.
A tissue sample was sent for genetic testing to confirm the species.
Anyone with information is asked to contact DoC’s 0800 DOC HOT line.