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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