Rare pygmy killer whale washes up far from home

A pregnant pygmy killer whale that washed up on a beach near East London recently is the first record for the East London museum in decades.

Museum natural scientist Kevin Cole said the whale was noted in distress last Sunday by holidaymakers at Birha seaside resort.

“Attempts to guide the whale back into the ocean seemed successful. However, the animal beached and died approximately 3.5km east of the Birha river mouth,” said Cole.

Cole said he identified the species via photos sent to him by Siani Tinley of the East London Aquarium.

“The photos illustrated the live animal being attended to by members of the public.

“After the pygmy whale was declared dead, two women from Birha assisted by securing the whale above the high tide in anticipation of an on-site necropsy,” said Cole.

He said the species was not well researched but that Bayworld in Port Elizabeth had records.

“The pygmy killer whale can be confused with the melon-headed whale.

“The distinctive white belly patch and rounded head confirmed the identification,” he said.

Cole said mammary slits on the whale identified it as a female, with a total length of 231cm.

He said the stranding was reported to Dr Greg Hofmeyr, curator of marine mammals at Bayworld, who made arrangements at short notice to prepare for a necropsy, which was undertaken yesterday by Hofmeyr, Cole and Bayworld intern Thuli Kom.

“Investigations revealed that there was some discolouration of the lymphatic system, sub-cutaneous parasites and a large growth situated near the uterus,” Cole said.

“It was later discovered that the female was carrying a small foetus, a perfect miniature of the adult form, measuring 28cm.”

Cole said the foetus, which was dead, has been secured for preservation at Bayworld.

He said it was presumed that the mother was ill.

He said pygmy killer whales occurred mostly in tropical and subtropical seas of all major oceans – usually in deep, warm, waters and rarely near land (except around oceanic islands).

“No seasonal migrations have been reported for the species and we do not have a good population estimate.

“They feed on squid and small fish and have been known to attack dolphins,” Cole said.