A sperm whale among a trio stranded off P.E.I.’s North Shore has passed away, following the deaths of the first two whales, as confirmed by the Marine Animal Response Society’s executive director, Tonya Wimmer. Wimmer explained that the decision was made to allow nature to take its course for the well-being of the animal and human safety. The young male whales, each weighing between 15 and 20 tonnes, were initially spotted near Hardys Channel in western P.E.I.
Due to the whales’ size, limited options were available for assistance, with traditional tools for refloating or relocating large animals not feasible. Sperm whales are typically found in deep waters, known for their deep-sea diving to feed on squid and other prey near the ocean floor. The unusual presence of these whales in shallow waters raised concerns about their well-being and habitat use.
Wimmer mentioned that efforts are underway to potentially conduct a necropsy on one of the whales to determine the cause of their stranding, whether due to health issues or disorientation. Wildlife officials are closely monitoring the situation, urging the public to avoid approaching the stranded whales for safety reasons.
