CAPE MAY POINT, N.J. — A small Minke whale stranded on Sunset Beach Tuesday afternoon was euthanized after marine experts determined it had little chance of survival, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) reported.
The incident was first reported by Shore News Network Tuesday evening.
The 18-foot whale was discovered on the beach around 2:10 p.m., dry and lethargic as the tide receded. Responders from the MMSC, including a veterinarian, arrived at the scene and conducted a medical evaluation. They found the whale to be in poor physical condition, exhibiting signs of malnutrition and lung congestion, according to a statement from the center.
“The impact of stranding on cetaceans is traumatic,” the MMSC noted, explaining that the weight of the animal’s body outside of water can cause severe internal damage. Given the whale’s poor prognosis, the decision was made to humanely euthanize it to prevent further suffering.
With assistance from Cape May Point officials, the whale’s remains were secured overnight to allow for a necropsy to be performed during daylight hours on Wednesday. The findings of the examination will be shared by the MMSC once available.
