Featured Image Credit: HindustanTimes.com
By Kira Krall
Blue whales are the largest animal ever. Yes, that even includes dinosaurs. They can measure up to 100 feet long and just their tongue alone weighs as much as an elephant.
These ocean heavyweights migrate from tropical waters to nutrient-rich polar waters to feed on the abundant krill blooms. Occasionally, a whale might find itself taking an involuntary detour to the beach.
This past week, a 47-foot long blue whale was reported on the shores of Maharashtra, a state on the west coast of India. Officials believe that the whale had been stranded on the sand for about two days. Its length and estimated weight make it the largest beached animal in recorded history.
Once forest officials received the report from a local fisherman and they knew they had to work quickly. A blue whale like this one can reach extreme length and weight because the water column can support all 44,000 pounds of it. On land, their weight becomes the thing that kills them. Gravity pulls the animal in on itself until the mass of their own bodies starts collapsing their organs. Stranded animals often suffer from hypothermia and dehydration if they’re left in the merciless sun for too long.
Four forest officials led the charge, with locals and people from Non-Governmental Associations also working to free the animal from the treacherous sand. It took two boats, 50 people, and eight hours to bring the animal into the sanctuary of deep water. It sped its way into the depths, which is a good indicator that the whale is in good health. Watch the video below from the Hindustan Times to see a clip of the rescue.