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25/01/2006
Whale post-mortem results revealed
The results of a post-mortem on the Thames whale has revealed that it died of multiple causes.
The post-mortem found that the whale, a young female northern bottlenose, died from severe hydration, muscle damage and kidney failure.
It is believed that the 19ft animal had probably mistakenly swum into the North Sea and had ended up in the Thames while trying to return to its feeding grounds in the Atlantic Ocean.
The findings suggested that the whale had not been able to feed on its normal diet of deep-water squid for three days.
Dr Paul Jepson, a veterinary pathologist, said: "Whales and dolphins obtain water from their food and northern bottlenose whales normally feed on deep water squid in the Atlantic Ocean.
"This animal would not have been able to feed while in the North Sea and so would have become dehydrated."
Scientists examined the whale's body for almost eight hours at the dockside in Denton, Kent, before samples were taken to the Zoological Society of London for further analysis.
Further tests will be carried out to discover if there were any infections or pollutants in the whale's body, such as heavy metals.
However, Dr Jepson ruled out the possibility that sonar from Royal Navy ships could have disorientated the whale and led to it ending up in the Thames.
The whale made headlines around the world last Friday, when it first appeared in the Thames - the first time such a creature had been spotted in the river since records began in 1913.
However, it became disorientated and distressed and attempted to beach itself several times, before a rescue operation was launched. However, the whale died on board a rescue barge, as it was being transported to deeper waters.
Dr Jepson said that the decision had been made to put the animal down, when she became even more distressed, but he said: "While I was drawing the lethal injection, she died."
Dr Jepson said: "The last few days have been an unforgettable and ultimately sad experience for us all and we are now determined that the whale did not die in vain.
"The incident has demonstrated a clear message of the nation's passion for these animals and their conservation."
The whale's bones will be kept at the National History Museum for scientific research.
(KMcA/SP)
The post-mortem found that the whale, a young female northern bottlenose, died from severe hydration, muscle damage and kidney failure.
It is believed that the 19ft animal had probably mistakenly swum into the North Sea and had ended up in the Thames while trying to return to its feeding grounds in the Atlantic Ocean.
The findings suggested that the whale had not been able to feed on its normal diet of deep-water squid for three days.
Dr Paul Jepson, a veterinary pathologist, said: "Whales and dolphins obtain water from their food and northern bottlenose whales normally feed on deep water squid in the Atlantic Ocean.
"This animal would not have been able to feed while in the North Sea and so would have become dehydrated."
Scientists examined the whale's body for almost eight hours at the dockside in Denton, Kent, before samples were taken to the Zoological Society of London for further analysis.
Further tests will be carried out to discover if there were any infections or pollutants in the whale's body, such as heavy metals.
However, Dr Jepson ruled out the possibility that sonar from Royal Navy ships could have disorientated the whale and led to it ending up in the Thames.
The whale made headlines around the world last Friday, when it first appeared in the Thames - the first time such a creature had been spotted in the river since records began in 1913.
However, it became disorientated and distressed and attempted to beach itself several times, before a rescue operation was launched. However, the whale died on board a rescue barge, as it was being transported to deeper waters.
Dr Jepson said that the decision had been made to put the animal down, when she became even more distressed, but he said: "While I was drawing the lethal injection, she died."
Dr Jepson said: "The last few days have been an unforgettable and ultimately sad experience for us all and we are now determined that the whale did not die in vain.
"The incident has demonstrated a clear message of the nation's passion for these animals and their conservation."
The whale's bones will be kept at the National History Museum for scientific research.
(KMcA/SP)
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24 January 2006
Whale's bones to go to Natural History Museum
The whale, which died in the River Thames at the weekend, is to be given to the Natural History Museum. The young female bottlenose whale made headlines around the world when she swam into the Thames last Friday. Hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the sight - no such animal had been spotted in the Thames since records began in 1913.
Whale's bones to go to Natural History Museum
The whale, which died in the River Thames at the weekend, is to be given to the Natural History Museum. The young female bottlenose whale made headlines around the world when she swam into the Thames last Friday. Hundreds of spectators gathered to witness the sight - no such animal had been spotted in the Thames since records began in 1913.
23 January 2006
Animal welfare groups highlight whale plight
Animal welfare groups are attempting to raise awareness of the plight of whales, following the death of a bottle-nose whale in the Thames at the weekend. The International Fund for Animal Welfare called for the "outpouring of emotion" over the death of the northern bottle-nose whale to be directed towards other whales.
Animal welfare groups highlight whale plight
Animal welfare groups are attempting to raise awareness of the plight of whales, following the death of a bottle-nose whale in the Thames at the weekend. The International Fund for Animal Welfare called for the "outpouring of emotion" over the death of the northern bottle-nose whale to be directed towards other whales.
20 January 2006
Rescue attempt launched for whale in the Thames
A rescue attempt has been launched after a rare whale was spotted in the Thames on Friday. The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
Rescue attempt launched for whale in the Thames
A rescue attempt has been launched after a rare whale was spotted in the Thames on Friday. The whale, which has been identified as a northern bottle-nosed whale, was spotted around 08:30am on Friday morning. It is the first time that this type of animal has been spotted in the Thames since 1913, when records began.
11 June 2008
Navy Under Spotlight Over Dolphin Deaths
A pod of dolphins that died in Cornwall on Monday could have been "scared ashore". Marine experts believe that the 26 dolphins that became stranded in creeks around the Percuil River could have been frightened by an underwater disturbance. It is understood that the incident is one of the worst strandings in the UK.
Navy Under Spotlight Over Dolphin Deaths
A pod of dolphins that died in Cornwall on Monday could have been "scared ashore". Marine experts believe that the 26 dolphins that became stranded in creeks around the Percuil River could have been frightened by an underwater disturbance. It is understood that the incident is one of the worst strandings in the UK.
14 August 2012
Stranded Whale Dies On Cornwall Beach
A whale washed up on a beach in Cornwall has died. The 65ft (20m) fin whale was reported stranded on the beach at 16:45. Some 300 people gathered on the beach but the site was cordoned off to avoid distressing the whale any further.
Stranded Whale Dies On Cornwall Beach
A whale washed up on a beach in Cornwall has died. The 65ft (20m) fin whale was reported stranded on the beach at 16:45. Some 300 people gathered on the beach but the site was cordoned off to avoid distressing the whale any further.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
