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Humpback Whale Euthanized After Failed Rescue
19 Nov
Summary
- A young humpback whale was found stranded near San Marine state park.
- Rescue teams attempted to reorient and tow the whale back to sea.
- Euthanasia was deemed the most humane option due to the whale's weakened state.
A tragic rescue attempt concluded with the euthanasia of a young humpback whale stranded on an Oregon beach. The animal was discovered near San Marine state park over the weekend, appearing to be caught in a fishing net. Local individuals and various organizations rallied to assist the distressed mammal, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful in freeing it.
Specialized rescuers launched an operation on Monday morning, attempting to secure a bridle around the whale to guide it back towards the ocean. However, complications arose as high tide approached, causing the rope to separate and the bridle to slip. Experts cited the extreme difficulty in moving such a large animal safely and the limited resources available for a full-scale operation.
Given the whale's prolonged time ashore, which left it severely weakened and unlikely to survive, veterinarians made the difficult decision to euthanize the animal on the afternoon of November 17. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) stated that a necropsy would be performed to understand the cause of stranding and assess the whale's health, emphasizing the inherent challenges and risks associated with whale rescue.
