Authorities Euthanized Whale Stuck in Shallow Waters

The whale stuck in shallow waters was euthanized due to extensive health problems.

New York veterinarians euthanized a whale stuck in shallow waters. The animal spent a couple of days close to the shore, specialists declaring that the specimens presented too many health problems for it to have chances to survive in the wild. Animal rights activists are not pleased with the decision.

The 20-ton whale was first spotted in the Moriches Bay waters ten days ago. At the time, the humpback whale was searching for food. The marine mammal seemed healthy, and authorities left it be. However, while hunting for food, the whale got stuck in shallow waters and was unable to move.

NOAA representatives analyzed the stranded humpback whale and concluded that the animal presented extensive “signs of neurological abnormalities and extensive skin injuries with evidence of infection,” as CNN reported.

Both NOAA representatives and the veterinarians who euthanized the animal declared that there was no other choice for the humpback whale as it had no chances of surviving in the wild due to its condition.

The marine mammal was first spotted on November 13^th. The Riverhead Foundation declared that there were several attempts at freeing the humpback whale, including the creation of artificial waves to carry it to deeper waters.

John Bullars, NOAA director, stated that several factors contributed to the whale’s misfortune. Tidal conditions were unfavorable, as well as other biological and oceanic factors. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of the rescuers, the whale could not be moved.

As veterinarians administered the injection, local New Yorkers shed tears of sadness and anger. Most of the people present at the scene declared that more effort should have been invested in the well-being of the creature.

Animal rights activists stated that the officials took too long to respond, endangering the life of the poor, scared animal. Some environmentalists who attempted to release the creature are mad that the authorities turned them away, forbidding them to touch the animal.

On the other hand, veterinarians and NOAA representatives mentioned that civilians were not allowed to manually try and return the whale to deeper water as such attempts could create severe internal injuries that would provoke the death of the animal.

The authorities also declared that stranded whales are often suffering from various health conditions from malnutrition to other, more severe, disorders.

As veterinarians euthanized the whale stuck in shallow waters, one of the people on the scene declared that:

“We are better than that.”

Image source: Wikipedia

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Christina Langfold

Remember that weird girl in school who never quite managed to fit in? Who was always silent and strange? That was me during my entire teenage life. A few years after finishing college (with a degree in arts) I decided that the best way to become more sociable, while also feeling safe, is to test my people skills online.