Rescuers from the Marine Mammal Conservancy extricate a stranded whale from a mangrove island about five miles (8 km) near Islamorada, Florida, in the Florida Keys, September 29, 2008. The mammal, identified by officials as an infant sperm whale, is estimated to weigh about 700 pounds (318 kg). It was transported to the conservancy's rehabilitation center in Key Largo, Florida for diagnosis and treatment. Conservancy officials listed its health status as critical. Officials euthanized the calf following a veterinarian's prognosis that concluded there was no hope for survival. [Agencies] |
