Est. 2006
OBA on Social Media
Blog Layout
Why was the whale in Mobile Bay euthanized
Dauphin Island Sea Lab • November 26, 2020
A necropsy will be performed on the sperm whale
(OBA®) - Mobile Bay - There are many reasons why euthanasia was the best and most humane option for this animal. Below is an explanation courtesy of ALMMSN and NOAA.
The decision to euthanize is made by a team of biologists including staff from the NOAA NMFS Southeast Region and the veterinarians on scene. Euthanasia is by no means an easy option. It is physically and emotionally demanding. For biologists who spend their lives studying and working toward the conservation of these majestic animals, there are no easy options when a marine mammal strands. In all cases, we try to do what is right for the animal with the consideration of the safety of our team.
- The animal was already in poor condition when it stranded, making survival highly unlikely for any marine mammal, but particularly problematic for large whales such as this one (>30 feet long, as much as 30,000 lbs) due to exposure and other stresses.
- The animal is very far from its natural range, which is in waters > 200 meters deep at least 60+ miles offshore (likely more than 100 miles from where it stranded farthest north in Mobile Bay, near Montrose). This means that the animal was already showing an inability to orient itself over any of that distance.
- The animal had opportunities to move in the bay during the subsequent week but restranded multiple times, further indicating a poor prognosis.
- Trying to pull or push a whale of this massive size to open ocean can cause serious internal injury (dislocating bones, damaging muscles), making it far more painful and harmful than helpful, and the animal would likely restrand in any case (due to the original cause of illness or injury, if it survived the relocation). In very few cases have large whales been successfully relocated. According to NOAA, to their knowledge, no one in the country has been able to successfully free-float and release a stranded sperm whale.
- It is difficult to impossible to get any type of towing device onto a live animal this size, a vessel to safely and feasibly move it 100 miles offshore, and remove any towing gear to avoid entanglement, making relocation essentially infeasible.
- There are no facilities to treat or rehabilitate an animal this large even if it were in a suitable condition. The largest facilities and aquariums in the country do not have tanks suitable for the rehabilitation of a whale this size.
Share this article w/ Friends...
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Gulf Shores announced today that construction will soon begin on the Waterway Village Pedestrian Bridge. The project is part of the Highway 59 Expansion and is aimed at enhancing pedestrian safety and connectivity.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season begins on June 1st and concludes on November 30th, aligning with the traditional period when the majority of tropical cyclones develop in the northern Atlantic Ocean region. Early forecasts suggest that this season may experience near-average activity.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Waterville USA, a water and amusement park located in Gulf Shores, is set to reopen for the season on March 1st. This event marks the beginning of another year of fun and excitement for water and arcade lovers. As one of the premier family destinations on the Gulf Coast, Waterville USA offers a wide range of attractions designed to entertain visitors of all ages. From thrilling water slides to action-packed amusement rides, there is something for everyone at this popular destination.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Phill Clemons has been named the Alabama High School Athletic Association’s 1A-5A Girls Bowling Coach of the Year, a prestigious recognition highlighting his exceptional leadership and commitment to his teams. With over 25 years of experience, Coach Clemons brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the coaching field. His extensive background spans across numerous collegiate programs within the SEC, ACC, Sun Belt, Gulf South Conference, Big South, SIAC, and Conference USA. In these roles, he has served as a motivational speaker, coach to coaches, and life coach to student-athletes, focusing on the development of both athletic skills and personal growth.
Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – The Gulf Shores Police Department's K9 Unit recently demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication at the US Police K9 Association Region 1 Field Trials held in Lakeland, Florida. Competing against top law enforcement teams from across the region, Gulf Shores’ K9 handlers and their canine partners showcased their abilities in patrol and detection, bringing home an impressive collection of awards.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Plans are moving forward to build a shelter in Foley to protect first responders during hurricanes or other emergencies. The Foley City Council has approved the building’s design, which will feature an all-brick exterior. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the building will be both practical and designed to blend in with other nearby structures.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores and Orange Beach started their "Safe Spring Break" rules many years ago and the plan appears to have paid off among college students. Historic spring break party beaches are now telling students they do not want them to visit. Locations like Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Panama City have now adopted many of the rules that the Alabama beach towns introduced almost a decade ago.
Orange Beach, Ala. – (OBA) – Mardi Gras 2025 is set to bring vibrant parades, lively events, and a wave of festive spirit to the Gulf Coast, with celebrations spanning Orange Beach, Gulf Shores, Foley, Fort Morgan, and more. From the dazzling evening floats of the Mystics of Pleasure to the unique boat parade at LuLu's in Gulf Shores, locals and visitors alike can look forward to a packed schedule of activities. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun or a spirited Fat Tuesday celebration, the Gulf Coast’s Mardi Gras events promise something for everyone.
Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Foley's 44th Arbor Day, celebrated on Saturday, February 22nd, was a bustling event focused on community and environmental improvement. Residents showed up in large numbers, forming lines to receive hundreds of free trees and seeds for butterfly gardens. The event also provided a platform for disseminating information on how residents could contribute to a greener and healthier community.
Montgomery, Ala. – (OBA) – The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is urging parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against measles, a highly contagious and serious illness. In early 2025, measles cases have been increasing in several states, including Texas and Georgia. Unvaccinated individuals who are exposed to the virus have a 90% chance of getting infected, and those who contract measles can spread it for up to three weeks.
