Whale carcass found in eastern Hong Kong waters to be buried but authorities plan to retrieve skeleton for research later
- Experts have conducted a necropsy on carcass of the eight-metre Bryde’s whale and further analysis of tissue samples is under way, government says
- Carcass will be buried at a site at High Island Reservoir’s west dam on Monday
The carcass of a whale found in Hong Kong’s eastern waters will be buried on Monday but its skeleton will be used for research purposes later, the government has revealed.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on Sunday said it worked with experts from Ocean Park and City University to conduct a necropsy on the carcass of the eight-metre Bryde’s whale and further analysis of tissue samples was under way.
The whale was first spotted swimming and feeding in Sai Kung waters on July 13, sparking huge interest among residents, with many heading out in boats to catch a glimpse of the animal.
But a whale carcass, believed to be the same mammal, was found last Monday with a fresh wound near its dorsal fin and parts of its organs and muscle tissue protruding. It was earlier seen with two wounds on its back, suspected to have been caused by propellers.
The carcass was removed from the sea and taken to a site at the High Island Reservoir’s west dam.
The department said that after consulting experts and evaluating options of handling the carcass, it had decided to bury the whale at a spot near the dam.
“Proper procedures will be taken to ensure the whole process is in line with hygiene and disinfection requirements as well as environment protection principles,” a spokesman said.