Stranded Beaked Whale Euthanized in Florida After Hours of Discomfort

After a few hours of being stranded, a beaked whale was humanely euthanized on a beach in Florida, with the help of 15 people.

A 15-foot whale washed up on Flagler Beach, Florida's shore on Friday afternoon. The sighting shocked beachgoers there.

The elusive species is referred to as a "beaked whale," according to the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute representatives who responded.

Dr. Stacy DiRocco, the lead veterinarian from SeaWorld who was present at Gamble Rogers Park, asserted that beaked whales are not well-suited for rehabilitation efforts. The whale was euthanized on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's advice.

DiRocco noted that the euthanasia procedure went remarkably well and added that it is his duty as a veterinarian to make the procedure as calm, respectful, and humane as possible. The beaked whale simply went to sleep and the effects were felt very quickly.

Humanely Euthanized

A team of about 15 individuals, consisting of several biologists from the Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute and local volunteers, collaborated to ensure the comfort of the whale for several hours before it was put under a procedure of euthanasia.

Onlookers assembled on the beach and offered their assistance in carrying and moving the mammal, which was eventually hoisted onto a large sling to aid in its transport to the shores of Florida.

DiRocco stated that a complete necropsy will be conducted. This will offer biologists a unique opportunity to directly observe and gain insight into the whale's condition as well as details about the species. Pathologists will be able to analyze the whale's tissues and internal organs, which will allow the experts to better understand and define the circumstances that led to the animal's stranding.

Beaked Whale

As of now, only a little is known about beaked whales. This handful of information only inlcudes that they have a deep-sea habitat, their numbers are scarce, and that they have reclusive behavior.

They are predominantly located in deep offshore waters, with numerous species inhabiting the Northern Pacific Ocean. Due to their tendency to avoid vessels, sightings of beaked whales are rare. Beaked whales are not classified under the same family as dolphins; instead, they represent a distinct family that comprises over 20 species.

Although their snouts and general appearance may resemble that of dolphins, beaked whales, and dolphins are taxonomically different families. Beaked whales are more closely related to sperm whales than they are to dolphins.

Discovery and Threats

Beaked whale species are still being discovered.

According to Whales Online, within the last two years, there have been reports of at least two new species of beaked whales being observed.

In one instance, a research team from the organization Sea Shepherd purportedly encountered a beaked whale with distinctive acoustic and physical features off the western coast of Mexico, leading researchers to speculate that it could be a previously undocumented species.

In another instance, a team of researchers in Japan identified a beaked whale belonging to the genus Berardius, previously thought to be a subspecies of Baird's beaked whale, as a distinct species in 2019.

According to Ocean Wise, the susceptibility of these species to noise pollution puts them at risk of severe harm, potentially resulting in life-threatening injuries caused by anthropogenic sounds from sources such as navy sonar and seismic exploration. Furthermore, Cuvier's beaked whales have been discovered with plastic bags and other debris in their stomachs, which has been a significant factor in their fatalities.

The Fish & Wildlife Foundation of Florida pointed out that when a lone, live animal is stranded on a beach, it is typically due to sickness or injury. However, a variety of factors can contribute to beachings, including adverse weather conditions, advanced age, navigational mistakes, and hunting in proximity to the shore, The Daytona Beach News-Journal.