Rescuers Free Endangered Right Whale
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Rescuers free endangered right whale. Following an initial rescue on Christmas Day, when state
personnel from Georgia and Florida, USA were able to free a young North Atlantic right
whale from her entanglement in 150 feet of fishing rope and mesh debris, it was discovered
more recently that the whale was still caught in fishing debris that had become tightly
wrapped around her mouth and flippers.
Using satellite tracking, scientists from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) were able to identify her new location, and traveled there to use a rare sedation
method only performed once before in an effort to free the whale from what were considered
life-threatening restrictions. Once the sedative set in, the team had two hours to perform
the delicate operation that would free the young whale from the lines that emerged from
both sides of her mouth. NOAA personnel then treated her wounds and revived her. The endangered
marine mammal, believed to be one in only 300 – 400 still in existence, will be tracked
for a further 30 days to ensure her recovery.
A salute of gratitude to all US rescuers involved for your caring and persistent efforts to
free this gentle giant. May humanity soon offer the same love and respect so that she
and all marine co-inhabitants can swim the seas in lives of peaceful freedom.�
