View Full Version : Killing of whales in cpt
I watched 3rd degree last night and was totally shocked.:eek: Does anybody maybe have a theory on why the whales keep on beaching themselves? What really happened there? Have they released the results from the autopsy?
Maybe the professor could explain a little bit about it to use?
Missed 3rd degree, but have followed the story somewhat. As far as I know the autopsy results were inconclusive. They are sending them on to Australia to add to their data base to see if anything can be made from it.
Regarding this specific event, there are a number of theories that exist:
1. The whales are very closely bonded animals, if a leader/leaders were ill and near to death, the pod could also beach as "solidarity"/confused as no other leader is present.
2. Navigational issues
3. The navy were doing some shooting in the week
Having said all this, it is obviously total speculation. What I do think should happen however, is that a reaction plan, with all stakeholders be put in place, should something like this happen again. In that way it can be tackled systematically, with all the correct resources.
Here is th full story.
http://www.simplygreen.co.za/local-stories/earth-and-animals/beached-whales-in-cape-town-the-full-story.html
I was listening to the radio a few days after this took place and it brought a little light as to one of the possible reasons why the rescued whales kept on beaching themselves. Whales follow a 'leader' and if the leading whale was still beached whilst the others in the group were put back into the water, they would naturally try to 'follow the leader'. Hence, unless the 'leader' was returned to the water first, the rest would continue to beach themselves. Of course, there is no way to determine which is the leader.
As to why they beach themselves - it would certainly be beneficial if we could establish the reason behind it, but there are many theories.
I wonder why they don't just have a massive braai on the beach when these things happen.
It's more humane, and at least serves some purpose, compared to shooting them or blowing them up.
Can you imagine the outrage?! Then the poor guys will be accused of not really trying because they wanted to braai :D:D
Oh I'm sure the hippies would be up in arms, but then again they will always find something to be up in arms about.
Like this last round when everyone went mad for the fact they shot the whales, without thinking it through and realising it's the easiest option and most humane.
This is actually very sad. Since all the wale numbers is dropping because of the culling done by "whale killers".
I truly hope that they find out what is causing this all over the world so that they can help them when this happens again.
My heart goes out to those who had to make the desision to shoot the whales, it could not have been an easy one!!
It is great to see people stand together and try to help these animals in need but it is very very very sad to see that what ever they try to help it just does not want to work!!
Look i am not happy about them being shot BUT it was the only human thing to do at least they could of been 2 things
Ready for this and had a professional do the shooting. but that is my opinion. we are all entitled to our opinions.
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