UNCW: ‘Parasite attack’ most likely killed whale

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Scientists with UNCW believe a parasite attack on a juvenile whale’s organs likely caused its death.

The humpback whale washed ashore at Kure Beach near the pier Wednesday morning. During the beachside necropsy, biologists with the marine mammal stranding team said no external injuries caused the whale’s death. In an article published by the university Thursday, officials think the parasites found in the kidneys during the necropsy were indeed the cause of death.

Officials said the male humpback was about 10,000 pounds, two to three years old and 30-feet long.

“The animal was extremely emaciated and had significant kidney dysfunction from parasites in the kidneys,” said William McLellan, a University of North Carolina Wilmington research associate and state coordinator of the Marine Mammal Stranding Program.

Tissue and organ samples will be tested to confirm the cause of death and help them learn more about the overall health of the whale, the article said.