Injured lost baby whale euthanized in Australia

Thursday August 21, 2008
The lost humpback whale calf swims around the Pittwater, north of Sydney Harbour Wednesday, Aug 20, 2008. The 1- to 2-month-old calf was first sighted Sunday in waters off north Sydney, and on Monday tried to suckle from a yacht, which it would not leave.

The animal was given an anesthetic in the water before a lethal drug was administered on shore. Roger Bell, spokesman for the National Parks and Wildlife Service said it died around 9 a.m.

Officials believe the 1- to 2-month-old calf was abandoned by its mother, possibly because it was ill. Wildlife officials said it appeared the whale had also been attacked by a shark.It spent days among the yachts and other boats in the waters off north Sydney, swimming back to the boats each time officials lured it out to sea in the hope it would attach to a passing pod of humpback whales.


Clip 1- A starving humpback whale calf sees boat as mother Aug 18
A few people designed feeding mechanisms, many gave advice, and some journeyed to Pittwater Inlet just to watch the lonely calf.

Clip 2- Baby Whale to Be Euthanized August 21, 2008——apparently orphaned and trying to suckle yachts near Sydney, Australia, for the past several days

The National Parks and Wildlife Service determined that the calf is still being breast fed, there is no way of feeding or socializing it, so taking this humpback into captivity is not an option. On Thursday, veterinarians and marine researchers who examined the whale found that its condition was deteriorating quickly and that euthanizing it was the most humane option.

VIA

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