On 17 January, Cape Town’s Marine Animal Stranding Network was called to Melkbosstrand, where two pygmy sperm whales, an adult and a juvenile, had become beached.
The call also drew a swift response from various authorities, including the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries (DEFF), NSRI Melkbosstrand rescue swimmers, the SPCA Wildlife Inspectorate and City of Cape Town (CoCT) officials. Residents also assisted with rescue efforts.
NSRI spokesperson, Craig Lambinon, said that the incident occurred at Slabber se Klippe, a beach area in Melkbosstrand.
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Teams worked tirelessly to save the whales, with the adult whale eventually guided back to the ocean.
He said that the adult’s successful return has rendered optimism about its survival, as it appeared healthy upon re-entering the sea.
The situation with the juvenile whale was more challenging. Despite repeated attempts by NSRI rescue swimmers and volunteers to assist it back to the water, the whale re-beached near the NSRI Melkbosstrand slipway.
After exhausting all possible measures to save the juvenile whale, a difficult decision was made by DEFF, SPCA and CoCT officials to euthanise the whale humanely.
This was deemed necessary to prevent further suffering for the animal.
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Gregg Oelofse of the CoCT Marine Animal Stranding Network said that the decision for euthanasia followed approved marine animal stranding protocols.
It was a coordinated decision made by DEFF marine scientists, the SPCA and City authorities, prioritising the welfare of the animal.
Oelofse commended the extensive efforts of the NSRI and public volunteers in their attempt to save the whales, highlighting the humane nature of the final decision.
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Picture: National Sea Rescue Institue
