A large Bottlenose dolphin has been captured “brutally attacking” and killing a young dolphin calf.
The heartbreaking incident took place in Cardigan Bay, Wales.
Sarah Michelle Wyer, who photographed the attack, says witnessing the rare sight felt like she was in a “real life David Attenborough documentary”.
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The 30-year-old claims the young common dolphin was less than half the size of the “big” Bottlenose.
“It gave a rollercoaster of emotions,” the photographer and wildlife guide told Need To Know.
“It was a thrilling feeling to be in that moment in real life.
“But it was upsetting at the same time to see a young dolphin being effortlessly thrown out of the water in a very brutal attack.
“I love all dolphins, so it was a hard thing to watch.”
Sarah originally thought it was a Harbour Porpoise that was being attacked, as it’s common for Bottlenose dolphins to kill them.
She said: “I was absolutely mind blown [when I realised] because I immediately knew what we were witnessing was incredibly rare.
“I couldn’t believe I was in the right place at the right time.”
In a series of photos, two dolphins can be seen colliding with one another as the waves splash around them.
Another snap shows the Bottlenose thrashing the common calf in the air and back again under the water in a brash manner.
The sighting took place on 17 April at around 6 pm.
Sarah added: “I am still in shock that I got to witness the behaviour.
“As someone who has spent her life loving and learning about these animals and working with them, it’s taught me so much more.
“Many [people] do not realise that dolphins aren’t your ‘friendly flipper’ and are well-known in the marine mammal field for their aggressive tendencies towards each other and other species.
“I’ve been working this job now for eight years, and they still take me by surprise.”
Sarah worked with her boss and organisations, Seawatch Foundation and CSIP to make the decision to retrieve the body for collection and further study.
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