Gray whales continue to wash up dead and emaciated, but causes remain elusive, reports the New England Aquarium in Boston. The whales were caught by fishing gear from the coast of Mexico.
“We are a lot more than a zoo,” says Dr. Anne Pyle, “We are an educational facility that educates people to become aware of the problems of whales and climate change.”
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The whales are suffering from a serious lack of essential nutrients, such as essential fatty acids Omega-3 and Omega-9, calcium, phosphorus and zinc.
At this time, the whales are not exhibiting any evidence of disease. “We have no idea when things will improve.”
The whales do appear to have a bit of a hangover too. They appear to have a little bit of a hangover.
“The whales were caught by fishing gear from the coast of Mexico,” says Bethany Hall, who runs the Aquarium’s whale research program.
Whales in the Aquarium are fed exclusively wild fish and meat, including a full vegetarian diet. However, the whales suffer from the lack of essential nutrients and a little bit of a hangover.
“These young whales are sick, and there’s not a whole lot we can do about that at this time.” At this time, the whales are not exhibiting any evidence of disease.
However, Hall says that “there may be changes in the diet or a slight change in management plan.”
Aquarium officials say changes in the whale’s diet are a possibility, adding, “We have no idea when things will improve, although it’s something we’re working on. We’re also working on getting the whales into the water, and it’s been challenging.”
Aquarium officials are working on the whales’ food and nutrition.
“Whales are very susceptible to changes in their diet. They’re very finicky,” says Hall.
She adds, “Sometimes it’s difficult to get them in the water, and even when you do, it’s tough.”
Hall says that the whale’s diet needs to be changed. “We’re working to get them back in the water and continue to get them fed and to work on their diet to make sure they get the essential fatty acids that they need.”
In the meantime, Hall says that “the whales are not
