A Whale Was Saved From Certain Death
Beaching of whales and many other marine animals is becoming more common. In most cases, the animals arrive dead on the banks. Fortunately, a whale was saved a few months ago off the coast of Hartlepool , England.
How was it possible to save the minke whale ( Balaenoptera acutorostrata )? Quick and coordinated action between the coast guard and the marine species rescue unit was essential for this whale to be successfully saved.
The whale that was saved from a terrible end
Many marine animals go to the beaches for various reasons : food, warmer waters, disorientation, etc. However, most return to deeper waters, although they do not always succeed.
On the morning of August 2, around 11am, extremely close to the coast of Hartlepool , a minke whale appeared to be in serious danger of running aground. Coast guards seeing the animal for the first time notified the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), rescue specialists.
When they arrived, the coast guard themselves, along with a team of veterinarians specializing in marine mammals, took care of the animal. Veterinarians performed a thorough assessment to ensure that the whale could be released directly and did not need to go through a recovery center.
The BDMLR tried to keep the animal close to shore so they could monitor it and check that its vital signs were good. The minke whale had other plans, because as soon as he could, he turned around and went into deep water.
So the whale was rescued. Otherwise, it is very likely that, due to fatigue or disorientation, she would never again be able to return to the depths.
Why do whales run aground?
Whales have always beached themselves on every beach in the world, some more often due to migratory routes.
The main cause of the current problem with the numerous strandings of marine animals is human activities, although there are other reasons.
When a whale is very sick or has died, it is easy for it to be washed ashore between the currents and the tides. The same happens with seriously injured animals, which, when they lose strength, cannot swim where they want or follow their own group.
On the other hand, there are strandings due to navigation problems. Whales, like other cetaceans, orient themselves thanks to echolocation.
After a heavy storm or in shallow areas where the sand is so fine that it floats in the water, echolocation fails and the animal can become disoriented.
Likewise, loud noises made by ships at sea, such as gigantic undersea gas pipes crossing the seas, can also interfere with the whales’ sophisticated radar.
One of the most recurrent problems is accidental entanglement with fishing nets, active or abandoned. This human waste can completely immobilize the whale or cause serious injury.
The causes that caused the whale rescued off the coast of Hartlepool to find itself in this situation are unknown. Apparently, the animal had no lesions, so the most supported hypothesis is disorientation.
How to act when encountering a stranded marine animal
Marine animals such as cetaceans, turtles and sharks, among other species, are strictly protected in several countries on the planet. If unfortunately you come across one of these copies, the first thing to do is notify the proper authorities.
While they are moving to the site, you can try, in strict silence, to keep the animal hydrated (when they are cetaceans). In the case of reptiles, it is best to monitor them from a safe distance.
Under no circumstances should you return the animal to the ocean, as if it got stranded, it was probably due to some problem and it must be evaluated by a qualified veterinarian.
In case a dead animal is found, it must also not be touched and the authorities must always be notified. The subsequent necropsy will provide a plethora of essential data to monitor populations and their threats.
The case of the whale that was saved from certain death is a perfect example of correct behavior in the face of stranding. The authorities’ management allowed this cetacean to be able to swim free again.
