Miami – A huge sperm whale that had been stranded on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico in Florida during the weekend he died this Monday, as reported by the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission of Florida (FWC).
Despite efforts to rescue it by environmental authorities in Venice, on the southwest coast of Florida, the cetacean died today after having difficulty breathing and being practically trapped in the sand and with very little water.
It was an adult male that measured about 13.4 meters long and weighed about 32,000 kilograms, according to the Mote Marine Laboratory, which has described the animal as “emaciated.”
“Biologists will collect samples to try to determine the cause of the disease and death, and better understand the health and life history of the sperm whale.”indicates the FWC in a statement.
The sperm whale was found on Sunday morning and due to the strong waves and the unpredictable behavior of the animals, the rescue intervention was initially not very safe.
“Move Whales large, weighing about 70,000 pounds, carries serious safety risks for the whale and for the lifeguards involved,” noted the Mote Laboratory.
Throughout the night, it was confirmed that the sperm whale had died. At approximately noon today the sperm whale has been placed on the beach by a heavy excavator.
Once the necropsy is complete, the cetacean will be towed out to sea to be returned to the sea.