1st December 2024 – (Hong Kong) A 5 to 6-metre-long whale was found stranded on Shek Tsai Po Street in Tai O, Lantau Island. Upon receiving the report, personnel from the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) and Ocean Park Conservation Foundation arrived at the scene. Approximately 12 local residents used floating devices and canvas to secure the whale before attempting to tow it to deeper waters. Experts from Ocean Park administered a sedative to the whale to facilitate a thorough examination and treatment.
Preliminary investigations revealed multiple injuries on the whale’s head, which may have been caused by sharp oyster shells. By the early hours of 1st December, experts indicated that the whale’s condition was critical, suggesting the possibility of euthanasia to alleviate suffering. Unfortunately, despite efforts to provide care, the whale succumbed to its injuries during treatment, with its death confirmed at midnight.
The whale was subsequently transported by crane to the Tai Lam Marine Police Base, arriving around 5am. By approximately 11am, personnel used a crane to move the whale’s body for further examination, with plans for a necropsy to determine the cause of death.
The AFCD reported that the whale was severely injured when discovered. During the sedation process for further diagnosis, it became apparent that the whale was in a very weak state. Experts suspect the whale may belong to the “Tropical bottlenose whale”, which has not been seen alive in Hong Kong waters for over a decade. This rare occurrence raises concerns that the whale may have strayed off course or sought refuge from potential threats, highlighting the unusual nature of this incident.
