Why Is a Deep-Sea Whale in the Thames?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the unusual sighting of a northern bottle-nosed whale in the Thames River, exploring the circumstances surrounding its presence in freshwater, potential health issues, and reactions to its fate.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants express sadness over the whale's fate, noting it reportedly died during transportation back to the sea.
  • Others question the reasons for the whale's journey into freshwater, with one participant suggesting it may have been sick.
  • A participant references a news article mentioning factors such as irregular ocean temperatures, predators, lack of food, and sonar from ships that could lead whales into dangerous waters.
  • Another participant humorously suggests a motive of revenge against whalers.
  • One comment raises a question about the contagiousness of "Mad Whale Disease," indicating a mix of humor and concern.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally express concern and curiosity about the whale's situation, but there is no consensus on the reasons for its presence in the Thames or the implications of its health.

Contextual Notes

Some claims are based on news reports and speculative reasoning, with no definitive conclusions drawn about the whale's behavior or health.

Who May Find This Useful

Readers interested in marine biology, animal behavior, or environmental issues may find this discussion relevant.

hypnagogue
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A seven-tonne whale has made its way up the Thames to central London, where it is being watched by riverside crowds.

The 16-18ft (5m) northern bottle-nosed whale, which is usually found in deep sea waters, has been seen as far upstream as Chelsea.

A rescue boat has been sent to protect the whale and rescuers have been trying to keep it away from the river banks.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4631396.stm

Pictures:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_pictures/4632194.stm
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Fergie is back?
 
Ba-ZING!!
 
I was really sad to hear it didn't make it. It must of been quite the sight to see.
 
It DIDN'T? I just saw it on the news. Did it die?
 
Yeah apparently it went into convulsions and died while being transported back to the sea on the barge. To bad.
 
i saw the news on that this morning. they were saying it might be sick and things like that. they were even thinking of trucking it but fortunately had a barge. i kind of wonder why a whale would go so far into freshwater like that. like, if it was sick even, why would it do that?
 
I think revenge on whalers for killing their mothers is the number one reason for it.
 
  • #10
Seven tonnes of yummy good meat!
The British should be overjoyed.
 
  • #11
Is Mad Whale Disease contagious?
 

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