Heartbreaking video shows Humpback whale, Moon, making her final 3,000-mile journey with FRACTURED SPINE
MAUI COUNTY, HAWAII: A humpback whale named Moon with a damaged spine exceeded all expectations when it swam 3,000 miles in the breaststroke from Canada to Hawaii. Moon was discovered off the coast of British Columbia with a lower body that was twisted, which scientists think was the result of a boat hitting the animal.
Moon continued on with her annual migration to warmer waters despite the wound, but pictures of the whale taken off the coast of Maui indicate that the excruciating voyage left it malnourished and infected with whale lice. Scientists note that although they are pleased that Moon arrived at Hawaii after a decade of tracking by the Pacific Whale Foundation, this is likely where she will die. The Fin Island Research Station made the initial observation of Moon on September 7, noting that its lower body was curved in an odd 'S' form rather than the typical straight line from the dorsal fin to her fluke. The severe spinal injury was apparent when the crew used a drone to get a closer look.
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BC Whales stated, "The harrowing images of her twisted body stirred us all. She was likely in considerable pain yet she migrated thousands of miles without being able to propel herself with her tail," as reported by the DailyMail. Moon's dimensions are unknown, however female humpback whales have been known to reach lengths of 49 feet and weights of 35 tons.
