A baby dwarf sperm whale, which was rescued after it was found washed ashore on a beach in Thailand’s southern province of Phang-nga on August 4th, died Monday night while being treated at Phuket Marine Biological Centre (PMBC).
The Marine and Coastal Resources Department said today (Tuesday) that the male dwarf sperm whale, named Hope, was found dead at 11.23pm of shock, infection and severe dehydration.
Blood tests showed signs of the mammal’s kidneys and liver overworking and muscle inflammation, while ultra-sound tests showed excessive an amount of gas in the stomach and intestines.
Veterinarians at PMBC had been trying to save the life of Hope and closely monitored its condition since it was admitted for treatment.
Mr. Pinsak Suraswadi, deputy director-general of Marine and Coastal Resources Department, admitted that the one-month old whale was very weak when it was first found.
He said it showed worrisome signs yesterday and was immediately given anti-biotics, but the medication could not save its life.
PMBC director Mr. Kongkiat Kittiwatanawong said, in his Facebook post on August 6th, that the whale was named “Hope”, because “we hoped that it would survive so that it could be returned to nature after being treated.”
Hope’s mother was found dead on the same beach on the same day that Hope was rescued.
Natural Resources and Environment Minister Warawut Silpa-archa said he had been informed about the death of the baby whale and urged the public to offer moral support to the veterinarians who have been helping ailing marine species.
