Whale Calf Dies On A North Carolina Beach After Ingesting A Balloon
"About 67% of our bottlenose dolphins that are found stranded in the area are related to human induced mortality."
A Gervais’ beaked whale, a very rare species of whale that lives 300 miles+ offshore, was found alive on the beach in Emerald Isle, North Carolina late last month. Shortly after being found, the animal died.
The next day a necropsy was performed by multiple highly trained individuals and scientists. The cause of death? A balloon.
WCCB Charlotte spoke with Dr. Michael Tift, Assistant Professor in Biology and Marine Biology at UNCW, he tells us, “It was really until we got to the stomach and we were investigating the content inside the stomach where we first found milk. Telling us it was a very young animal that was nursing. Then it was the discovery of a very large Mylar type balloon that was literally obstructing the passage of any food or drink into the intestine of the animal.”
Dr. Tiffany Keenan is the Stranding Coordinator at UNCW, she tells WCCB, “about 67% of our bottlenose dolphins that are found stranded in the area are related to human induced mortality.”
This is not just a coastal issue. Balloons can travel hundreds and hundreds of miles before making it to our oceans. Winds and currents can take them, leading to the death of marine life and other animals.
It is good to think about biodegradable options, but they often do not degrade fast enough so looking at other alternatives is even better. Like bubbles, paper decorations, flowers, rose petals, etc.
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