Rescued whale recovers from setback, gains strength

By Eloise Aguiar
Advertiser Windward O'ahu Writer

KANE'OHE — A melon-headed whale rescued off Hau'ula three weeks ago remains in guarded but stable condition after a setback last weekend. Volunteers continue a round-the-clock vigil.

The whale seemed close to death Sunday, but has improved steadily since, said Marlee Breese, research associate with the University of Hawai'i Marine Mammal Research Program.

"He has a strong will to live," Breese said. "Even more, he has a great appetite, and that's the best thing he has going for him."

Last weekend, the whale's condition started to decline. The animal looked so sick Sunday that the group caring for it began thinking about whether it should be kept alive, Breese said. But the animal did not appear to be suffering, so it was decided to let nature take its course.

The whale had improved by Monday, and has gotten better ever since, Breese said.

The whale is one of two rescued Aug 19 off Hau'ula by U.S. Marines, the Hawaiian Islands Stranding and Response Group and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Marine Fisheries Service.

Breese said that when the whale arrived at Marine Corps Base Hawai'i three weeks ago, it was resting with a slight tilt to the left, but its resting position had since straightened out.

Over the weekend, the whale began to tilt again as its health worsened, but it is upright again, Breese said.

If the animal continues to improve, it will be moved to a bigger pen to swim, she said. Right now the whale is in an ocean pen about 30 feet by 20 feet that is protected from the sun's burning rays.

Along with 10 pounds of squid and 5 pounds of smelt that it is fed daily, the whale receives antibiotics, vitamins, minerals and something to coat the stomach, a precaution to ensure that caregivers aren't exacerbating any ulcers. Breese said the other stranded whale had an ulcer.

If they don't die immediately, Breese said, stranded animals typically survive only five to seven days. This one has lived three weeks.

"I think it is amazing," she said. "I'd never guess he'd go to three weeks, but I'm the official voice of doom and gloom. I've done so many of these (rescues) and none of them lived."

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