France: an orca stranded in the Seine
An orca near Whidbey Island in the Pacific (Illustrative image).
© AP Photo/Ted S. Warren
Text by: RFI Follow
1 min
An orca is stranded in the Seine.
By observing the shape of its fin, specialists were able to conclude that it is a male.
The animal is very weakened, it is between Le Havre and Rouen and is in great difficulty.
She might well die.
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The killer whale
is very thin, its fin completely collapsed.
It would weigh more than a ton for 4 or 5 meters long.
Its presence in the English Channel is "
exceptional
", it was observed for the first time ten days ago between Honfleur and Le Havre, at the mouth of the Seine.
Injured or sick animal
No doubt already weakened, the killer whale was able to seek a little respite in the river, less agitated than the sea. The problem is that it is a social animal that cannot live separated from its group and not in fresh water either.
The animal could be injured or sick according to the prefecture of Seine-Maritime, which calls for avoiding any gatherings nearby.
Navigation prohibition measures have been taken.
need salt water
Today, the killer whale is already very far from the sea and it is difficult to find solutions to bring it back to salt water.
However, the fresh water and the lack of prey in the river accelerate the deterioration of its state of health.
The prefecture ensures that careful monitoring of the animal is put in place by the authorities and experts.
⚪⚫ The continuation of the adventures of the Norman orca ⚪⚫
🐬 The orca observed under the Normandy bridge lately is still present in the area.
It continues to go back and forth in the Seine but always pushing further.
pic.twitter.com/28bGZSDx0a
- That's enough !
(@cestassezfrance) May 25, 2022
►Also read: France: stricter rules imposed on dolphinariums
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Animal health