A desperate rescue attempt is underway to save a baby whale stranded in Port Phillip Bay off Altona.www.7news.com.au#7News
Posted by 7 News Melbourne on Monday, May 21, 2018
From 7News
This calf is 2.4 metres long and has minor abrasions. Officers from Parks Victoria, the Marine Response Unit and Victorian Fisheries Authority had been trying to rescue the whale since 3pm. Attempt to take the whale into deeper waters had failed as it was unable to swim unaided. The whale was euthanised after becoming unresponsive in the late afternoon. An autopsy will be performed on the whale to determine the cause of its injuries.
From 7News
Pygmy sperm whales are rarely sighted at sea. In fact, most of what we know about them are derived from the examination of stranded specimens. They prefer warmer, deeper waters and are considered rare.
The pygmy sperm whale is only slightly larger than many dolphins. Calves are born about 1.2 metres long, growing to about 3.5 metres and 400 kg at maturity. It has a creamy, occasionally pink underside and a bluish-grey back and sides. It has a large, shark-like head and a white marking behind each eye, often described as a “false gill“.
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