PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - A decision was taken to euthanise the juvenile humpback whale that beached along Nature’s Valley beach on Friday 3 November.
Several environmental groups collaborated when the young marine mammal – believed to have been only a few months old – was discovered along the coast.
When all options to rescue it was exhausted, the Department of Environmental Affairs made the call to put it down.
Marine biologist Dr Gwen Penry said the 7m whale was discovered by passers-by at about 06:00.
It was believed that the whale had beached several hours before it was found, she added.
“It was still alive, but had suffered severe internal injuries,” Penry said, explaining that the whale weighed about 6 tons and the weight on its organs on dry land was therefore extremely intense and caused the injuries.
Penry said the local NSRI attempted to tow the whale back to sea, but that it was logistically not possible.
The NSRI and Penry were among a group, including the Nature’s Valley Trust, the Plett Stranding Network, SANParks, Bayworld in Port Elizabeth, the police and the Department of Environmental Affairs, that responded.
“Based on the information gathered, the department gave the green light to euthanise the whale.”
Penry said it was difficult to ascertain the reason for the whale’s beaching as there were no obvious external injuries. “There were no signs of entanglement or a ship strike. These are some of the major reasons for whale deaths globally.”
About five whales had recently washed up along the South African coast, she said.
“The whales are on their annual migration from Mozambique to Madagascar at the moment. Along the East Coast we have noted about 7 500 whales, so numbers are up. It is, however, natural for some of the weaker whales to beach – those who are old, ill or weak.”
She further said that while in their breeding area – which has been the case for the past five months – these whales do not feed, which could contribute to weakness.
Penry said that skin samples were taken to conduct toxicology tests to rule out illness.
The juvenile whale has since washed into the Groot River, she said. “This is a major source of water supply to the residents of Nature’s Valley, so there have been concerns about water contamination.
"The Bitou municipality will therefore deal with the disposal of the animal. It will most likely be buried.”
Read a previous article: Whale beaches in Plett
ARTICLE & PHOTO: YOLANDÉ STANDER, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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