The 12-metre whale spent some time seemingly relaxing by Ta Baran beach, before leaving. - Supplied
PHNOM PENH: An injured whale calf seen by local residents on Preah Sihanouk’s Ta Baran Beach on the morning of Friday (Jan 30), is believed to have been swimming in search of its mother. It is unlikely to return to deeper waters if it cannot reunite with her, according to an assessment by Marine Conservation Cambodia (MCC).
The sighting took place at Ta Baran Beach or Andong Tor Beach), located in Rithy 2 village, Keo Phos commune, Steung Hav district. Local sources informed the MCC team that the whale calf had injuries on the upper part of its back, as well as marks that appeared to be caused by entanglement with some object.
Local officials and residents attempted to rescue the baleen whale and pull it back into deeper waters, but it appeared unwilling to swim back offshore.
the whale calf had injuries on the upper part of its back, as well as marks that appeared to be caused by entanglement with some object. - Supplied
“Based on the assessment of our marine mammal scientists, the whale calf was likely swimming in search of its mother, and it will not return to deeper waters if it is unable to reunite with her,” the MCC stated.
In spite of the opinions of the scientists, the 12-metre whale eventually returned to the depths of the ocean later that day.
By the time officials from the provincial Department of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries arrived on the scene, the whale had gone. They remained at the scene for several hours, but it did not return.
The agriculture department noted that this was the first time a whale had been observed in that area, but believed its presence was likely due to the area’s clean environmental conditions and abundant food sources, like krill and small fish, which attracted it to feed. - The Phnom Penh Post/ANN
