It has been a tough week, physically and emotionally. A live dwarf sperm whale stranded at Kleinbrak and had to be euthanised, and the necropsy that followed revealed a heartbreaking loss of three generations. Two Cape fur seal juveniles and a deceased penguin were also recovered. Through it all, the return of the whales to our bay has been a reminder that the circle of life continues.
Live Stranding: Dwarf Sperm Whale, Kleinbrak Beach
📍 Location: Kleinbrak Beach 📅 Date: Monday 29 June 👤 Responders: SMART volunteers, incl. Sr Stefanie de Graaf (HAH); Dr Frans de Graaff
- A live Kogia sima (dwarf sperm whale) stranded on Kleinbrak beach just after 11:00. SMART volunteers, including Sr Stefanie de Graaf from HAH, found the female kogia still in shallow water, bleeding from multiple lacerations caused by rocks and releasing brown ink that discoloured the water.
- She was in great distress. We managed to move her a little higher up the beach, though still in the rising tide.
- After consulting Dr Greg Hofmeyr and Dr Gerhard Cilliers (DFFE), the decision was made to euthanise her. Dr Frans de Graaff proceeded with chemical euthanasia, while Smarties spoke to members of the public about what was being done, and why it was necessary.
- With help from some strong young bystanders, the deceased animal was moved well out of reach of the water, and perimeter tape was positioned around her to alert the public.
🐋 Status: Euthanised on humane grounds after veterinary consultation. Moved above the tide line and cordoned off pending necropsy.
Necropsy & a Heartbreaking Discovery: Kleinbrak and Reebok Beach
📍 Location: Kleinbrak Beach; Reebok Beach 📅 Date: Tuesday 30 June 👤 Responders: Stefanie, Michelle, Carly, Marisa, Val; Oceans Research interns
- A number of SMART volunteers proceeded with a necropsy, having consulted Dr Hofmeyr about what he required. Thank you Stefanie, Michelle, Carly, Marisa and Val, for your invaluable help.
- We were assisted by interns from Oceans Research, who were tremendously involved and a great help. Without them it would have taken us much longer. We salute the teamwork from all involved. The Municipality was advised that they could arrange for the carcass to be removed.
- While taking the first photos and measurements, we noted that the kogia was lactating. This meant the possibility of a calf somewhere offshore, or a pregnancy. Sadly, it was both.
- We discovered that a calf had also stranded about 2.5 km south of Kleinbrak, on Reebok beach, and during the necropsy we removed a perfect little foetus from the mother. We can probably assume that three generations, mother, calf and unborn baby, were lost during this stranding.
- A partial rainbow over the bay during the euthanasia was not much comfort. In fact, the Smarties had to swallow hard and wipe away some tears.
🔬 Findings: Three generations lost, mother, calf and foetus. Samples retained for analysis; carcass removal arranged with the Municipality.
Cape Fur Seal Juveniles: Diaz and Pienaarstrand
📍 Location: Diaz Beach; Pienaarstrand 📅 Date: Wednesday 1 July 👤 Responders: Ursula, Carly, Val; Dr de Graaff (HAH)
- Two very young Cape fur seal (CFS) juveniles stranded during the day, one at Diaz and the other at Pienaarstrand. Ursula collected the Diaz seal, while Carly and Val attended to the other one.
- Both were transported to HAH for assessment by Dr de Graaff. Both were euthanised because of concerning symptoms, and both will be tested for rabies and HPAI.
🦭 Status: Both euthanised owing to concerning symptoms. Samples submitted for rabies and HPAI testing.
Deceased Penguin, Glentana Beach
📍 Location: Glentana Beach 📅 Date: Wednesday 1 July 👤 Responders: Val
- While on the beach at Pienaarstrand, a beachwalker informed Val of a dead penguin on Glentana beach. She collected it as well and took it to HAH to be scanned for an ID chip.
🐧 Status: Recovered and taken to HAH to be scanned for an identification chip.
While dealing with these unfortunate incidents, we are very happy to see so many whales back in our waters, especially the mums and their calves. The circle of life continues!
Totsiens till next week.