Researchers perform necropsy on whale in Oak Island

OAK ISLAND, NC (WECT) - Marine experts, police, and city crews worked on the beach in Oak Island Friday to learn more about a young sperm whale that washed up close to shore Thursday.

Veterinarians sedated the animal Thursday and used a salt solution to put it out of its misery once it became clear the emaciated whale couldn't be rescued.

Crews dragged the body to shore so biologists and experts could dissect the whale for a necropsy, which is an autopsy performed on a non-human animal.

More than a dozen people worked together, wearing protective gear, to analyze the whale. At one point, marine biologists shared the contents of the whale's stomach, which included squid beaks and parasites, which they said is typical for a whale.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Program from several universities worked together during the necropsy. Marine biologists also said they are taking tissue samples to send for lab analysis.

Police taped off the area to prevent the public from interfering with the analysis and burial of the whale.

Oak Island Public Works officials said they're digging several holes for the whale once the scientific analysis is complete.

"We have one backhoe on the beach with the whale. Another backhoe is digging holes as the parts are carried up. We're actually burying them as the job goes on so that there's no parts left over to be done," said George Napier, Oak Island Public Works superintendent. "It's just all being done at the same time"

Napier said this grave is the best and most respectful way to lay the animal to rest.

Experts have not given any new information about what caused the whale to come so close to the shore or why it was emaciated.

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