The humpback whale Moon has traveled thousands of miles over a period of three months, all while suffering from a fractured back.
From British Columbia to Hawaii, the whale has traveled 5,000 km (3,100 miles) via rough ocean currents and swells. However, The North Coast Cetacean Society, often known as BC Whales, predicts that Moon will probably pass away soon.
It’s amazing…but also it just breaks your heart”
According to the Guardian, the non-profit organization devoted to the study and protection of cetaceans along British Columbia’s northern coast said that Moon’s story is a sobering reminder of the increasing threats that these gentle marine giants confront throughout Canada’s west coast.
“It’s amazing…but also it just breaks your heart,” said Janie Wray the CEO of BC Whales. As she spoke, the whale described how her injured back had prevented her from using her tail during her lengthy migratory trek.
“She will not survive to make the return journey”
According to a post on Instagram, the organization became aware of Moon’s injury on September 7.
“As our drone hovered overhead we immediately recognized that this whale had been struck by a vessel due to the unnatural ‘S’ bend in the spine from the dorsal fin to her fluke.” Said the organization, adding “In her current condition, she will not survive to make the return journey.”
The Pacific Whale Foundation (PWF) discovered a whale on December 1 with a badly malformed spine. And it was soon determined that the whale was Moon. The migration of humpback whales between feeding and breeding areas is “tradition”. She was most likely born in Hawaii, a whale breeding area for animals like her.
She was discovered to be affected by the abnormality a second time when “emancipated and covered with whale lice as a testament to her severely depreciated condition.”
“This is the stark reality of a vessel strike. And it speaks to the extended suffering that whales can endure afterward, ” said the whale protection organization in its post.
The perseverance of Moon’s trip must be honored, BC Whales added. Even though we may never fully comprehend the strength it must have required of her.
We must “recognize that vessel strikes lead to a catastrophic end, ” it continued. And advised boaters to be knowledgeable about regional regulations and best practices. It further urged mariners to “stay alert, slow down and wait.” Adding that vessels of all sizes “can be a threat”.
