One of two whales that had their teeth hacked out with a hacksaw
Samples being taken by AMWRRO crew
Today a crew from AMWRRO including expert Veterinary Pathologist from the AMWRRO Scientific Board Dr Lucy Woolford attended the Ardrossan beach (Parara) where the seven Sperm Whales beached and died yesterday.
Unfortunately two of the animals had already been subject to senseless vandalism by having several of their teeth cut out with a hacksaw.
AMWRRO crew collected important samples that will be tested for suspect viruses that could have caused these animals to beach in the first instance. These test results will be made available once the results have been cleared by the AMWRRO Scientific Board and provided to the Department for Environment Water and Natural Resources (DEWNR).
Of the seven animals beached five were sampled due to inaccessible locations and all of which were adult female animals.
Unfortunately one of which was a lactating female – meaning there is a very real chance that a young animal is without mother and if not weaned may wash up dead in the near future.
One report that these animals were subject to propeller strikes had been proven incorrect by AMWRRO as they were in fact teeth raking marks – not propeller strike injuries.
For those wanting to attend and photograph these animals, please remember that there is a 50m no approach zone that should be adhered to by all and this includes pets as these animals could carry viruses that could potentially be transmitted to mammals ( e.g. dogs and humans!)
