Multiple marine mammals wash ashore in N.J.

Marine mammal experts are investigating why five marine mammals have come ashore in New Jersey in recent days.

According to the Brigantine-based Marine Mammal Stranding Center, two pygmy sperm whales and three bottlenose dolphins were found on Jersey Shore beaches.

Two dolphin washed ashore dead, another died in the surf zone, and the whales beached extremely sick and were subsequently euthanized, the center’s director Bob Schoelkopf said.

The dolphins were discovered in Sea Isle City, Sea Girt, and Sea Bright. The center, which says the dolphin found in Sea Isle City had numerous shark bites, has ordered an necropsy to determine the cause of death.

The whales, a nine-foot mother and her four-foot calf, were discovered in Brigantine.

The center notes that wind plays a factor in carcasses coming ashore.

The organization relies solely on donations for its rescues and rehabilitation. Anyone interested in donating can visit www.mmsc.org.