05-05-2025
Troubled sperm whale washes up on Hilton Head Island. What's going to happen to it?
A 31-foot sperm whale at risk of death washed up on Hilton Head Island on Saturday evening, drawing a crowd of onlookers to South Forest Beach on Sunday.
The whale, whose sex and age has not been determined, is not in good health, according to marine mammal biologist Clay George with the National Marine Fisheries Service.
'It's skinny, it's emaciated,' George said. 'Its health was poor before it got here.'
Because of the whale's poor health, it will be euthanized if it does not die on its own. A necropsy will be performed on the animal to probe deeper into the animal's cause of death, which could take months to complete, George said.
According to the town oh Hilton Head Island's Facebook page from earlier Sunday. 'A beached sperm whale has been spotted on Hilton Head Island.
The whale is still alive, and trained professionals, including NOAA and marine mammal experts, are on-site doing everything possible to keep it comfortable.
Several local sea life advocates and residents have posted thoughts of hope for the stranded mammal.
When whales beach themselves, it's often because they are already seriously ill or injured. In this case, euthanasia has been determined to be the most humane option. However, the specific type and amount of euthanasia medication required is not something that's readily available and is currently being transported from Florida. A highly experienced veterinarian from the Georgia Aquarium is also en route to perform the procedure.
We understand how difficult this is to witness, and we appreciate the community's compassion and patience. Please continue to respect the perimeter and give responders the space they need.'
In December of 2018 an 11-foot adult male pygmy sperm whale washed up on Mitchelville Beach near Hilton Head Plantation. In that case, the whale was badly decomposed. In January of 2019, a second pygmy sperm whale was discovered near Burke's Beach.
More to come Monday with updates on new developments on the fate and future of the whale.
