A deceased whale was rushed to The Coastal Stewards in Boca Raton last week after it was found stranded on Jupiter Beach.
While identification of the animal is still underway, it is believed to be either a sperm or pygmy whale—both of which typically live deeper offshore. The eight-foot long whale was spotted by a beachgoer who reported the incident to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC), who alerted Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS), an organization authorized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to respond to South Florida marine life strandings. MARS in turn reached out to Boca-based nonprofit The Coastal Stewards, which focuses on the study and protection of sea life.
“Many of our staff members and volunteers have specialized training and experience in responding to marine animal strandings and rescues, along with expertise in fieldwork, data collection, and animal behavior,” says Coastal Stewards Director of Marine Life Conservation Dr. Shelby Loos.
The whale was moved to The Coastal Steward’s transport vehicle with assistance from Jupiter police, Palm Beach County Ocean Rescue, and Loggerhead Marinelife Center and transported to Boca where The Coastal Stewards will conduct a necropsy (animal autopsy).
“Although stranding events are unfortunate, they provide a critical opportunity to provide a critical opportunity for scientists to conduct a necropsy which can help them gain insight into the animal’s health, biology, and the challenges they face in the wild,” says Loos.
Strandings typically occur due to an animal being sick or injured. Loos says that whale strandings are a fairly uncommon occurrence in South Florida, but when they do, it’s important to have a rapid response.
“If the animal strands alive, it is important for a team to evaluate its condition as soon as possible for the well-being of the animal,” says Loos. “If the animal strands already deceased, as was the case with this whale when it was found, it is just as important to have a timely response in order to get the best quality samples during necropsy to learn as much as possible about the species and potential cause of stranding.”
In the event of coming across a stranded whale on the beach, Loos urges the public to immediately reach out to the FWC so they can send a team to evaluate the animal.
“Do not attempt to push the animal back into the water if it stranded alive,” says Loos. “Keep a safe distance away from the animal while a team responds, they will direct you on what to do next.”
To report a stranded whale, call the FWC Wildlife Alert Hotline at 888-404-3922.
