Overview
- The juvenile minke whale, first spotted on April 2 near Emeryville, was one of only five documented sightings of the species in the Bay Area in 16 years.
- The whale repeatedly stranded itself in shallow waters over the past week, exhibiting abnormal behavior and signs of distress, including labored breathing and sunburned skin.
- Intervention efforts included spraying water to prevent further skin damage and monitoring its condition, but the whale's mobility and health worsened over time.
- On April 9, marine mammal specialists made the decision to humanely euthanize the whale to alleviate its suffering after observing its deteriorating state.
- A necropsy is currently being conducted to determine the underlying causes of the whale's repeated strandings and unusual behavior.