Rescued whale eating, swimming freely

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KANE'OHE — The second of two melon-headed whales rescued last week in Hau'ula was comfortable but in guarded condition yesterday, a day after its companion was euthanized, according to a Marine Corps official.

The younger of the two whales was eating and swimming freely in a lagoon pen off Marine Corps Base Hawai'i, said Maj. Chris Hughes, director of public affairs.

Caregivers hope that the younger animal just decided to accompany the older one when he began to lag behind the pod and head for shore because strandings usually end in the death of the animal, Hughes said.

"We're cautiously optimistic," said Hughes.

Late Sunday, the decision was made to euthanize the older, sicker whale because its condition had deteriorated rapidly.

Hughes said the attending veterinarian had thought the animal suffered from a gastrointestinal condition and that an autopsy will reveal more about any ailment.

The older male was about 25 years old, considered at the outer limits of life expectancy, he said, adding that not much is known about the melon-headed whale. The younger whale, also a male, is estimated to be between 15 and 18 years old, Hughes said.

The two whales were rescued Aug. 19 off Hau'ula Beach Park through a gallant effort by residents, Marines, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Protected Species Program and the Hawaiian Islands Stranding and Response Group. They had been at the Marine base receiving around-the-clock care as volunteers fed them, administered medication, gave them fluids and made sure they stayed afloat.

Veterinarian Robert Braun, president of the Hawaiian Islands Stranding and Response Group, said the information learned while caring for the whales will improve the response in future strandings.

Margaret Akamine, protected species program coordinator for the NOAA in the Pacific, said the surviving whale continues to receive 24-hour care. It has become necessary to cover him with sunscreen because he's spending a lot of time at the surface, she said.

"NOAA works with the Marine Corps and the Hawaiian Islands Stranding and Response Group just to accomplish one task: to do the best thing by the animal," Akamine said.

Reach Eloise Aguiar at eaguiar@honoluluadvertiser.com or 234-5266.