The beginning of a paralyzed humpback whale's painful last journey has been captured in a heartbreaking video.
The footage of the whale, known as Moon, was taken on September 7 by BC Whales, of the North Coast Cetacean Society, when she was spotted swimming off the coast of British Columbia. In the video, the whale is swimming slowly, with an "S" shape in her lower body clearly visible.
About two months later, researchers at the Pacific Whale Foundation in Hawaii spotted the same whale arriving off the coast of Maui—meaning she had completed the 3,000-mile journey using just her front fins.
Janie Wray, CEO of the North Coast Cetacean Society, told Newsweek: "Moon was struck by a vessel along the north coast of BC, we are not sure of the date, but it is a severe injury."
Vessel strikes are one of the main threats facing whale species across the world today. They occur when fishing boats or ships accidentally collide with an animal. Much of the time, the collision goes unnoticed by vessel operators.
The route from British Columbia to Hawaii is a normal one for humpback whales. The species go to the area every year to breed.
But due to Moon's injuries, researchers had assumed she wouldn't be able to make it. Now that she has, however, scientists are certain that the journey was her last.
Upon arriving in Hawaii, researchers from the Pacific Whale Foundation noticed Moon was severely emaciated and covered in lice after her long journey.
Moon's injuries must be causing her "considerable pain," BC whales said in a press release.
BC Whales staff said they will never "truly understand the strength" it took for Moon to take on her last journey, but they have respect for her "tenacity," leading to a "devastating end."
Moon is just one of many whales that have suffered severe injury or illness from vessel strikes. It is estimated that vessel strikes kill 20,000 whales a year, research from non-profit organization Friend of the Sea has found.
Humpback whales aren't an endangered species, but strikes also happen to species that are much more vulnerable, such as the North Atlantic Right Whale.
BC Whales said there are a number of resources available to educate boat operators on how to avoid collisions.
"Vessels of all sizes can be a threat: stay alert, slow down and wait. Going forward, it is clear that we need to take serious action regarding slow-down zones in known whale hotspots," the organization said.
Do you have an animal or nature story to share with Newsweek? Do you have a question about whales? Let us know via nature@newsweek.com.
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About the writer
Robyn White is a Newsweek Nature Reporter based in London, UK. Her focus is reporting on wildlife, science and the ... Read more
