Sperm whale calf euthanized after stranding on beach near Marineland in Flagler County
Beached sperm whale calf near Marineland in Flagler County (NOAA)
FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A sperm whale calf that was found stranded on the beach near Marineland in Flagler County on Wednesday had to be euthanized, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Despite beachgoers attempting to help, the whale’s condition deteriorated and it had to be euthanized, according to NOAA.
NOAA is investigating the circumstances that led to the whale getting stranded on the beach.
The carcass has been removed for necropsy in St. Petersburg.
Earlier this year, a 21-foot adult killer whale died after it washed up on another Flagler County beach. According to Blair Mase of NOAA, the event was “extremely rare” as there had never been a recorded incident of an orca becoming stranded anywhere in Florida or the Southeast. A necropsy found no sign of human effects and nothing ingested .
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About the Author Marcela Camargo headshot
Marcela joined News4JAX in 2023. She grew up in Mexico and eventually moved to California to pursue her dream of becoming a journalist. Now, she is a proud San Diego State University alumna who has many years of experience in TV and digital journalism.
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