Yachats, Oregon – Plans are in place to euthanize a juvenile humpback whale who is beached on the coast near Yachats. The 26-foot-long yearling beached itself on the evening of November 15 after getting tangled in crabbing gear.
The gear was removed from the whale’s body and volunteers worked to keep the skin wet, with the hope that she would be able to swim back to sea at high tide. Sadly, the whale was unable to become fully buoyant and efforts to pull the body towards deeper water failed.
With no workable solutions in sight, the difficult decision has been made to end the whale’s suffering with the help of a veterinarian. Lisa Ballance from the Marine Mammal Institute at Oregon State University tells KLCC News, “It’s a very sad, tragic situation. There’s no way to spin this positively. I know the general public is heartbroken.” Adding, “It’s hard to watch, hard to experience.”
Though animal lovers are devastated to learn that the rescue efforts are ending, marine experts believe the whale is suffering because of the pressure on the organs and prolonging the rescue effort will only bring more pain.
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4 Comments
Every tragedy in nature is caused by the human race…..
Very very sad. Why don’t the crabbers take their nets away with them instead of leaving them in the sea where innocent creatures can suffer.😡
If we all were vegan, SOOOOOO many animals would be free but it’s human that needs to do this for “crabbing” and put out their nets. Humans are also taking the marine life’s food so it’s absolutely affecting their foodchain!! All for human financial gain!!!
Bless that innocent whale who is yet another victim of human behavior. It’s unfortunate that some type of harness couldn’t be attached and connected to something with enough power like a boat or helicopter to slowly pull the whale back into the water.