A young, injured sperm whale took bystanders at a Miami Beach Marina by surprise Tuesday afternoon as it surfaced for air and circled around the waters of the marina.
The 10- to 12-foot motherless whale appeared around noon with injuries reflecting on the head, dorsal area and tail flukes according to Tuohy-Sheen, the assistant stranding coordinator for NOAA’s southwest region. The injuries have not been confirmed but have been speculated to be a result of boat-strike injuries.
The natural habitat for the sperm whale is in deep off-shore waters and usually prefer ice-free waters over 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) deep. However, both sexes range through temperate and tropical oceans and seas, only adult males populate higher latitudes.
The adult mother sperm whales care for their calves for more than a decade, and reports claim this whale is young enough that it still needs to be with its mother, however, her location is unknown.
The Coast Guard has set up safety zones around the whale, and radio broadcast have been sent out to boaters advising them to stay away from the waters occupied by the calf.
Two members of NOAA’s Marine Animal Standing Network are at the location and are deciding what steps to take, however because of the calf’s young age, no sign of the mother, and the condition and location of the young whale, it’s likely the calf will be euthanized.
What do you believe should be the fate of this young calf? Tell us below by leaving your comment or opinion!
Comments
Give the little guy a chance. If adults are in the area, haul him out to the vicinity, and let him try to find a foster parent. If it doesn't work, at least he had a shot. Euthanizing him is a terrible idea.
stupid
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