Beached pilot whale euthanized in Gulf of Mexico

PERRY, Fla. (AP) - Florida wildlife officials have euthanized a beached pilot whale in the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gainesville Sun reports that University of Florida veterinarians gave the 12-foot whale sedatives and then a euthanasia drug Thursday morning after it came ashore at Hagens Cove near Perry.

With no available tank big enough to hold it and its heart fading quickly, UF veterinarian Lindsey Waxman says the decision was best for the whale. A necropsy will be done to determine the cause for the beaching in the hope of saving other whales.

___

Information from: The Gainesville (Fla.) Sun, https://www.gainesvillesun.com