Baby dolphin dies after tourists remove it from the water to pose for selfies

The quest for the perfect selfie has led to the death of a dolphin in Argentina.

Reports say it had been left out of the water for too long.

The incident took place at the beach resort of Santa Teresita in the north-eastern Buenos Aires Province.

Reacting to the episode, wildlife charities said the dolphin's death highlights the need for better public awareness as to how wildlife should be treated.

Alyx Elliott, Head of Campaigns at World Animal Protection, said:

"This is a tragic and senseless death which is sadly indicative of some people's focus on obtaining a perfect animal selfie rather than thinking of the animal’s welfare. If you can pet it, ride it or take a selfie with it then the animal is likely to be suffering. Wild animals belong in the wild and the beachgoers should have immediately called for help in returning this poor baby dolphin to the ocean, not passed him around like a photo prop.”

Several other groups also called for better aware, emphasising that it is better to view wild animals in the wild and their natural habitat than out of it.