Post News Network
Bhubaneswar, Dec 27: The second consecutive whale that died near Chilika river mouth in Puri district late Thursday night has also been identified as a Sperm whale. Wildlife experts suspect the whale might have been following its partner that had died December 3 in Astharanga.
The whale measured around 30feet in length and about 25tonnes in weight. “The whale that died near Chilika river mouth had a weight and length similar to that of the whale that died earlier this month,” said Shiva Prashad parida, zoologist at the Regional Museum of Natural History (RMNH).
Parida told Orissa POST that this whale might also have died of the same reason as the previous one. “The first sperm whale died of ageing and it was originally from Indian Ocean. This whale might also have died after losing its strength to remain in water,” said Parida.
Another expert Ravindranath Sahu said the giant mammal must have come in search of its partner, (possibly) the whale that died earlier. “Whales have a tendency to follow the path of their partners. This whale might have been en route to Orissa coast in search of its partner. However, only after proper research can this be established,” said Sahu.
The dead second whale has been taken off the water bed and kept on the land. Several people started approaching the area to take a look at the giant mammal. All eyes are now on the RMNH and the wildlife division as to how they are going to handle the matter.
