PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – A 20-foot juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore near Waldport on Wednesday has been euthanized after efforts to return it to the ocean failed.
The whale’s health assessment led to the decision for it to be euthanized. An autopsy will be conducted.
The Oregon Marine Mammal Stranding Network based out of Oregon State University worked all day attempting to keep the animal’s stress level low while waiting for high tide.
Yet, 2 high tides came and went — but the whale was still stranded.
Contractors from the federal National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration arrived early Thursday morning to assist in the assessment of the whale.
If you come across any stranded marine mammal it should be reported immediately to 541.270.6830.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
