The fate of a baby humpback whale separated from its mother in Hawaii remains unknown.
Yesterday, we reported that the whale was trying to beach itself off of the Honolulu shoreline as bystanders attempted to help it.
After Hungary Hungary Hawaiian Newz shared footage from the water, Hawaii News Now (HNN) followed up with a shark warning for surfers.
HNN posted the news segment above and captioned it:
“NOAA officials warn us that a humpback whale calf alone is abnormal.”
Lifeguards caught up with the calf late yesterday off of Duke Kahanamoku Beach on the west end of Waikiki.
After the whale attempted to beach itself, lifeguards on jet skis tried to lead the whale out to sea near the Kaiser’s channel, an area with several surf spots including Ala Moana Bowls.
From there, the whale backtracked and swam into rocks as bystanders pushed it back into the water.
Eventually, the baby whale swam farther out into the ocean but its fate remains uncertain.
“Wildlife experts are now warning the public to look out for sharks,” Keahi Tucker reported.
Diana Kramer, NOAA’s regional stranding coordinator, said that while it is possible the mother is offshore and could reunite with her baby, it’s unlikely.
According to Kramer:
“A small, young animal alone potentially bleeding, even if it’s a small amount, definitely can have the potential to attract sharks and so it would be very good for the next few days to exercise caution.”
Tucker shared a message for surfers:
“Lifeguards warned surfers to watch out for the whale and possibly sharks that smell an easy meal.”
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