In a world with remarkable and sometimes heartrending tales, one more presents itself through a video detailing the chronicles of a 40-ton fin whale. The keen ears first heard the song of distress of a boat skipper, whose urgent call beckoned a swift response from the Civil Guard and the Oceanogràfic València on that fateful Saturday, March 7th, 2023.
In this oceanic world, there exists a gentle giant known as the fin whale, a leviathan surpassed only by the colossal blue whale. Such a behemoth roamed the world’s major oceans, boasting a distinctive appearance with its streamlined body and pointed dorsal fin. Yet, a dark cloud looms overhead as the International Union for Conservation of Nature lists them endangered.
Time was of the essence, as photos suggested a hapless creature ensnared in a drift net. In this race against the clock, the dedicated teams of the Oceanogràfic València and Civil Guard crew charged forth. Upon their arrival, however, a twist in the tale unfolded. Our mighty fin whale was not trapped but afflicted with a cruel ailment – scoliosis.
This enigmatic curve in its spine marred the whale’s graceful swim, causing a struggle to navigate the vast oceans. Sadly, the wide expanse of the open sea and the whale’s malformation made it impossible to place a remote tracker, thus impeding their ability to study and possibly alleviate their suffering.
For us humans, scoliosis is no stranger, but it is a rarity for the denizens of the deep. Causes may include neuromuscular disorders, genetics, and developmental abnormalities. We cannot turn a blind eye to the rise of global shipping traffic, for its enormous vessels pose a dangerous threat to these giants, causing grievous injury.
Indeed, only last year, a drone camera bore witness to a humpback whale with a shattered spine, a testament to the ever-increasing dangers they face. As we strive for the advancement of technology, let it be a guiding light for preserving these awe-inspiring creatures.
Let the video of this fin whale’s plight captivate your soul, for its story should be known by all. Pin this tale, and share it far and wide because the emotion it evokes serves as a catalyst to unite us in our quest to protect and conserve our marine kin.
