Health improves for rescued whale

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KANE'OHE — A melon-headed whale receiving treatment at the Kane'ohe Marine Base after stranding itself along with a companion in Hau'ula two weeks ago is showing signs of improvement, but caregivers aren't ready to release it.

Certain signs indicate that the animal is healthier than it was — increased appetite, eating on his own, swimming upright and a lower respiration rate — said Marlee Breese, research associate with the University of Hawai'i Marine Mammal Research Program, which is on the base.

"The problem is they can look like they're getting better then — whacko! — go into a tailspin and die," Breese said. "So he's not out of the woods."

The whale is one of two that was rescued on Aug. 19.

The older, sicker male was euthanized a week ago after deteriorating quickly. A necropsy revealed that the animal had a weak heart and congestion in the lungs, Breese said.

But the younger male is no longer floating on its side, is more alert and showing characteristics associated with this type of whale, she said.

"He's sort of a crabby old guy," Breese said, adding that this species is known to be unfriendly. "They tend to be cantankerous. We think it's a good sign he's started to be cantankerous. He gets mad at stuff and will head-butt."

But, she said, the volunteers who watch him 24 hours a day or feed and administer his medication are careful about their safety.

Each time a group must tend to the whale, it plans every move to minimize the possibility of injury from the 350-pound animal, Breese said.

Maj. Chris Hughes, director of public affairs on the base, said the whale has been moved around to several holding pens and is now in an area where it can swim freely in deeper water. The purpose is to find an environment where the animal will thrive, he said.

Hughes said the veterinarian in charge has indicated he thought the whales had eaten something bad.

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