A baby humpback whale that washed ashore near Long Beach Island, New Jersey, has died, likely due to injuries caused by a boat propeller, as reported by the Marine Mammal Stranding Center. The whale was trapped on a sandbar for an estimated two nights before it was found.
This 8-meter-long whale was first seen off the coast of Holgate around 3 PM local time on Friday. Gotham Whale, a marine research organization, mentioned that other whales in the vicinity, especially near the Rockaways, were also having difficulty feeding.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center released a statement detailing how their team discovered the young whale in shallow waters off Holgate’s western coast. Unfortunately, when they reached it, the whale appeared lethargic and severely underweight, showing signs of previous propeller injuries on its sides.
The prognosis was grim, with a low likelihood of survival. The animal was sedated to ease its discomfort, and it was under observation until surgery could be safely attempted the next day. Sadly, by the time the team returned, the whale had passed away.
Continuing care and monitoring were maintained until dark on Saturday, October 18. The center expressed deep sorrow at the loss of this young whale, emphasizing the heartbreak felt among the team, especially when dealing with animals that couldn’t fulfill their potential for their species.
Efforts to reach out to the Marine Mammal Stranding Center and Gotham Whale for further comments have been made, reflecting the ongoing concern for marine life in the region.
