The image of the unusually curved lower body of a humpback whale named Moon serves as a stark reminder of the increasing dangers posed by ships at sea to whales.
On December 11, the Guardian reported that scientists discovered a female humpback whale named Moon had completed a 5,000 km journey from the waters of British Columbia to Hawaii with severe injuries on her back.
This trans-Pacific journey has likely led the humpback whale to face imminent death after suffering from a broken spine.
Image of the whale with a spinal curvature captured by scientists. (Photo: BC Whales).
Researchers at the Fin Island research station typically observe Moon feeding on nutrient-rich mollusks in coastal waters each year.
However, in September, a drone captured images of a humpback whale with severe wounds on its back. The entire lower body of the whale was unnaturally bent in an S-shape.
The researchers identified this whale as Moon and concluded that the injury was the result of a collision with a vessel.
“Moon is not using her tail but instead moving in a frog-like motion. This is amazing yet heartbreaking,” said Janie Wray, executive director and researcher at BC Whales.
“It was a shocking moment when we realized it was Moon. She looked as though her spine was deformed, caused by something quite horrific. I have never seen anything like this in my life,” Wray described.
Despite her severe injuries, on December 1, Moon was spotted off the coast of Maui, over 4,800 km away from where researchers first recorded her injuries.
Humpback whales typically reach lengths of about 15 meters and can weigh up to 40 tons. They usually migrate from the frigid waters of Alaska to the warmer waters of Mexico and Hawaii for breeding.
Recently, Moon has appeared in Hawaiian waters looking emaciated and covered in parasites. This indicates that she has exhausted her fat reserves to make the journey.
“Moon is struggling with pain but is still alive. We know she won’t return to us and will soon pass away. We all hope that happens as soon as possible so Moon can be freed,” Wray said.
