Whale euthanized after health worsens

By Curtis Lum
Advertiser Staff Writer

The second of two male melon-headed whales rescued off Hau'ula nearly a month ago was euthanized yesterday after its health deteriorated.

Despite round-the-clock care by volunteer veterinarians and biologists, the whale took a turn for the worst Monday and a decision was made yesterday morning to put it to sleep. The adult whale had been at the Marine Mammal Research rehabilitation facility at the Marine Corps Base Hawai'i in Kane'ohe since it was found Aug. 19.

Marlee Breese of the University of Hawai'i Marine Mammal Research Program said the decision to euthanize the whale was correct, although difficult.

"We were at the side of the pen debating what the best course of action would be for him for us to take," Breese said. "Then he started to sink to the bottom and he was obviously very distressed."

The two whales were rescued off Hau'ula Beach Park by residents, Marines, the Hawaiian Islands Stranding and Response Group, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Protected Species Program.

The older of the two whales was euthanized Aug. 24 after its health deteriorated rapidly. It was estimated that the whale was 25 years old and near the end of its life expectancy.

The younger whale, estimated to be 15 to 18 years old, improved soon after it was brought to the facility, Breese said. But she said whales are usually not well when they become beached and their survival always is in doubt.

"Generally they're sick and become debilitated and the currents and the winds push them in," Breese said. "There's almost always a reason they're on the beach, although sometimes we never know what it is and often times we don't have a clue until we do a post-mortem exam."

Despite the setback, Breese said she and veterinarian Robert Braun feel they did all they could to keep the whales alive.

"Its very sad, but I feel very good that we gave it our best shot," she said.

Melon-headed whales travel in large groups in deep water, but not much else is known about them.

Reach Curtis Lum at 525-8025 or at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.