A stranded Minke whale was euthanized Tuesday afternoon after being found on Sunset Beach, Marine Mammal Stranding Center (MMSC) officials said.
Responders were alerted around 2:10 p.m. to the whale, initially reported as deceased, but later confirmed to be alive. The 18-foot whale was stranded on the beach with the outgoing tide.
MMSC’s stranding team and veterinarian determined the animal was lethargic, malnourished, and suffering from lung congestion. The prognosis was deemed extremely poor due to the crushing effects of prolonged stranding on the whale’s organs.
To prevent further suffering, the whale was humanely euthanized. The borough of Cape May Point assisted in securing the carcass overnight, with a necropsy scheduled for Wednesday.
Further updates will be available through the Marine Mammal Stranding Center’s Media Center.
Photo: Marine Mammal Stranding Center
