Stranded whales, dolphins, and seals often die slowly from dehydration and overheating before rescue teams can respond effectively.
Stranded marine mammals suffer significantly from dehydration as they cannot drink seawater and can only absorb water from prey. Compression of organs under their own weight causes respiratory distress. Overheating in sun exposure causes skin damage. Animals conscious during stranding experience extreme fear and disorientation. Delayed euthanasia decisions prolong suffering in animals with no hope of recovery.