Sperm whale euthanized after beaching on South Carolina coast
According to the Hilton Head Island Government, whales typically beach themselves when seriously hurt or injured.
Watch: Juvenile sperm whale washed on shore as people on the beach watch the large mammal lay stuck in the sand.
People on the beach watch the whale lying stuck on shore. When whales beach themselves, it is usually because they are already seriously ill or injured.
HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S.C. – A sperm whale has been euthanized after beaching itself on the coast of South Carolina over the weekend.
The whale, which was believed to be a juvenile, grabbed attention after it was spotted on a beach on Hilton Head Island. According to town leaders, NOAA officials and marine mammal experts were quick to help comfort the whale as people began rescue efforts.
NOAA and marine mammal experts are on-site doing everything possible to keep the whale comfortable.
(Renaté Ann McNulty / Facebook)
Government officials said that the whale was severely emaciated and had likely been drifting in the sea for hundreds of miles before reaching the shore.
"When whales beach themselves, it’s often because they are already seriously ill or injured," Hilton Head Island officials wrote in a Facebook post. "In this case, euthanasia has been determined to be the most humane option.
The whale was sedated and euthanized late Sunday night using specialized equipment from Florida. The procedure was performed by a veterinarian from the University of Florida.
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First responders at the scene attempt to move the massive whale.
(Renaté Ann McNulty / Facebook)
A necropsy will be performed to determine the cause of death and to better understand the challenges marine mammals face.
The Hilton Head Island Government stated that the whale will be buried once the necropsy is complete.