Five sperm whales stranded on Dutch beach
THE HAGUE — Five sperm whales were stranded on a Dutch beach yesterday (Jan 12) leading local authorities to urge people to stay away in order not to further distress the giant mammals.
THE HAGUE — Five sperm whales were stranded on a Dutch beach yesterday (Jan 12) leading local authorities to urge people to stay away in order not to further distress the giant mammals.
“Five sperm whales got stranded at Texel this afternoon,” the municipal authority for the small island in the Dutch north-west said on its website.
“Only authorised persons may approach the animals to avoid disturbing them or causing them stress,” the statement added.
A whale specialist, cited on public television, said the chances of the whales surviving their ordeal wasn’t high.
“The animals have already suffered significant damage...and two of them are already on their sides,” said the expert, Dr Adrie Vonk.
The reasons for the whales getting beached were not known.
The sperm whale is the largest of the toothed whales, and the largest toothed predator. It can measure up to 20m long and weigh over 50 tonnes. AFP
Stay in the know. Anytime. Anywhere.
Subscribe to our newsletter for the top features, insights and must reads delivered straight to your inbox.
By clicking subscribe, I agree for my personal data to be used to send me TODAY newsletters, promotional offers and for research and analysis.
