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28/07/2006
Beached whale put down by vet
A young fin whale, which was stranded for three days in Larne Harbour in County Antrim, has been put down by vets after it beached near Kilcoan.
The mammal died at around 7.30pm yesterday evening after after receiving lethal injections. The animal was said to have been distressed and exhausted, and is understood to have had an infection.
A statement from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and the Environment & Heritage Service (EHS), said that the fin whale live-stranded on the Island Magee side near Kilcoan at around 2pm yesterday, and Brian Muscatt, a vet from Belfast Zoo who was on standby, arrived quickly on the scene and four intra-muscular lethal injections were administered to the whale at 5pm.
This is the largest animal to have been euthanased using this method in Ireland.
Yesterday, police set a 300m exclusion zone around a whale which had been stranded in Larne Lough since Tuesday.
On Wednesday, efforts by the rescue team managed to encourage the mammal into open sea, however the animal returned after being startled when two ferries left the port.
It returned to the shallow waters of the harbour, where it was unable to return to the open sea.
Fin whales are the second largest animal on the planet, second only to the blue whale.
Although this specimen was a juvenile, it is estimated to be around 35-40ft in length and may weigh upwards of 15 tonnes.
An autopsy will be carried out today, which will confirm beyond doubt the species identification, gender and can be used for “stock analysis,” which may give a strong idea as to which stock or region this whale may have belonged to.
After the autopsy the 10 metre carcass will be incinerated, as the tissues would be highly toxic following the lethal injections.
(EF/SP)
The mammal died at around 7.30pm yesterday evening after after receiving lethal injections. The animal was said to have been distressed and exhausted, and is understood to have had an infection.
A statement from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) and the Environment & Heritage Service (EHS), said that the fin whale live-stranded on the Island Magee side near Kilcoan at around 2pm yesterday, and Brian Muscatt, a vet from Belfast Zoo who was on standby, arrived quickly on the scene and four intra-muscular lethal injections were administered to the whale at 5pm.
This is the largest animal to have been euthanased using this method in Ireland.
Yesterday, police set a 300m exclusion zone around a whale which had been stranded in Larne Lough since Tuesday.
On Wednesday, efforts by the rescue team managed to encourage the mammal into open sea, however the animal returned after being startled when two ferries left the port.
It returned to the shallow waters of the harbour, where it was unable to return to the open sea.
Fin whales are the second largest animal on the planet, second only to the blue whale.
Although this specimen was a juvenile, it is estimated to be around 35-40ft in length and may weigh upwards of 15 tonnes.
An autopsy will be carried out today, which will confirm beyond doubt the species identification, gender and can be used for “stock analysis,” which may give a strong idea as to which stock or region this whale may have belonged to.
After the autopsy the 10 metre carcass will be incinerated, as the tissues would be highly toxic following the lethal injections.
(EF/SP)
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27 July 2006
Exclusion zone placed around whale
Police have set a 300m exclusion zone around a whale which has been stranded in Larne Lough in County Antrim for the past three days. A spokesperson for the PSNI today said that any vessel venturing into the restricted area would be committing an offence, which would be brought to police attention.
Exclusion zone placed around whale
Police have set a 300m exclusion zone around a whale which has been stranded in Larne Lough in County Antrim for the past three days. A spokesperson for the PSNI today said that any vessel venturing into the restricted area would be committing an offence, which would be brought to police attention.
26 July 2006
Whale remains in Larne Lough
A rescue operation has failed to help a whale which is stranded in Larne Lough. The whale was spotted swimming in circles, trapped in shallow water close to the a cement works further up the lough than this morning. A team was continuing to try to coax the mammal towards open water on tonight's ebb tide.
Whale remains in Larne Lough
A rescue operation has failed to help a whale which is stranded in Larne Lough. The whale was spotted swimming in circles, trapped in shallow water close to the a cement works further up the lough than this morning. A team was continuing to try to coax the mammal towards open water on tonight's ebb tide.
17 September 2013
Second Whale Dies On The North Coast
A second whale has died on the north coast after it became stranded in Portballintrae Bay, Co Antrim. The Department of the Environment had been helping the animal for 12 days. The young pilot whale is believed to have been between two to three months old and had been swimming in the White Bay Park for just over a week.
Second Whale Dies On The North Coast
A second whale has died on the north coast after it became stranded in Portballintrae Bay, Co Antrim. The Department of the Environment had been helping the animal for 12 days. The young pilot whale is believed to have been between two to three months old and had been swimming in the White Bay Park for just over a week.
27 April 2007
Sperm whale beached off Donegal coast
A whale has become trapped on a shore in County Donegal. Marine experts say they believe there is no way of saving the 45ft sperm whale that was found washed ashore at Gweedore on Thursday.
Sperm whale beached off Donegal coast
A whale has become trapped on a shore in County Donegal. Marine experts say they believe there is no way of saving the 45ft sperm whale that was found washed ashore at Gweedore on Thursday.
25 July 2006
Whale stranded in Larne Harbour
A rescue operation is underway in County Antrim to save a minke whale which has become stranded on the coastline. The whale was spotted at around 7am yesterday stranded in shallow water close to Larne Harbour. Staff from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have been at the scene trying to encourage the animal into deeper water.
Whale stranded in Larne Harbour
A rescue operation is underway in County Antrim to save a minke whale which has become stranded on the coastline. The whale was spotted at around 7am yesterday stranded in shallow water close to Larne Harbour. Staff from the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group have been at the scene trying to encourage the animal into deeper water.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:Rain clearing away east by early evening with some clear spells but a few showers likely to affect the North coast and other areas towards dawn, remaining breezy and mild overnight. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
