Teddington minke whale 'hadn't eaten for days' before death, post-mortem shows

By Ellie Brown - Local Democracy Reporter

5th Nov 2021 | Local News

The minke whale calf stranded at Teddington Lock hadn't eaten for days and was malnourished at the time of its death, according to the first results from a post-mortem by scientists at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

The post-mortem is still in progress and samples collected during the examination are due to be tested, which could reveal why the whale swam up the Thames to the Lock.

On Monday the minke calf caused excitement and concern among Teddington's community when it was spotted swimming by the Weir, but sadly it had to be put down after it became stuck by a river wall.

Teddington RNLI helped move the whale's body to Whipsnade Zoo where scientists and vets from the RSL's Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) are now conducting the post-mortem.

A spokesperson for the ZSL said: "ZSL (Zoological Society of London) vets and scientists worked closely with British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) to assess and monitor the health and condition of the minke whale calf that sadly stranded in the Thames.

"After attempts to refloat the whale, the marine mammal experts collectively agreed that the calf was too unwell for any further rescue attempts to be successful, and that the kindest option was to euthanise the calf to prevent any further suffering.

"On Tuesday 11 May scientists and vets from ZSL conducted a post-mortem examination on the minke whale which sadly stranded in the Thames.

"Initial findings suggest the whale hadn't eaten for days and was malnourished.

"Additional conclusions about why the whale swam into the river may be possible once samples collected during the examination have been further analysed.

"The ZSL-led Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) coordinates the investigation of all cetaceans, marine turtles and basking sharks that strand around the UK coastline."

More stories

Whale stranded at Teddington Lock

UPDATE: 'distressed' whale stuck at cafe by Teddington Lock

Sad ending for Teddington Lock whale

IN PHOTOS: the tale of the Teddington whale

Teddington RNLI crew reflect on day spent rescuing whale

Found this article useful? For daily updates on what's happening in Teddington, follow us on Facebook or Twitter . You can also sign up to our free weekly newsletter featuring exclusive articles for subscribers - just type your email into the box below.

     

New teddington Jobs Section Launched!!
Vacancies updated hourly!!
Click here: teddington jobs

Share:

Related Articles

Interview with Twickenham MP Munira Wilson as she confirms she will be standing for relection (Photo: Munira Wilson MP)
Local News

Interview with Teddington MP Munira Wilson confirms she will be standing for relection

Thames Water's Hogsmill site near Kingston upon Thames (Photo: Ollie G. Monk)
Local News

Water bills to ‘rise by at least 40%’ as Thames Water shareholders pull funding over regulations

WIN A £25 AMAZON VOUCHER!!!

To enter just subscribe to our FREE Stockport NubNews Newsletter.
Every subscriber will be automatically entered into our competition.
Deadline 31 March 2024.

Already subscribed? Thank you. Just press X or click here.
By clicking the Subscribe button you agree to our
Privacy Policy and Competition terms and conditions.