Why Is a Deep-Sea Whale in the Thames?

[hypnagogue]

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

 

[tribdog]

Fergie is back?

 

[DaveC426913]

Ba-ZING!!

 

[hypatia]

I was really sad to hear it didn't make it. It must of been quite the sight to see.

 

[DaveC426913]

It DIDN'T? I just saw it on the news. Did it die?

 

[scorpa]

Yeah apparently it went into convulsions and died while being transported back to the sea on the barge. To bad.

 

[Gale]

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?

 

[scorpa]

http://sympaticomsn.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/20060121/thames_whale_060121

At the end it says:

Scientists have said irregular ocean temperatures, predators, lack of food and sonar from ships can send whales into dangerous waters.

 

[tribdog]

I think revenge on whalers for killing their mothers is the number one reason for it.

 

[arildno]

Seven tonnes of yummy good meat!
The British should be overjoyed.

 

[tribdog]

Is Mad Whale Disease contagious?