They help return a stranded calf to the sea that was beached on the beaches of Oaxaca
A stranded humpback whale calf in Oaxaca was successfully returned to the sea with the help of conservation officials and local community members.
A male humpback whale calf, measuring 4.60 meters in length and still showing signs of its umbilical cord, was found stranded on the beaches of the Santuario Barra de la Cruz-Playa Grande in Oaxaca, Mexico. The incident occurred likely due to high tides, as reported by officials from the Comisión Nacional de Áreas Naturales Protegidas (Conanp) during their marine turtle monitoring activities. The whale calf was discovered by sanctuary personnel, highlighting the ongoing efforts in marine wildlife conservation in the region.
On the night of February 6 and the morning of February 7, Conanp staff, alongside local inhabitants and a technical team from Kutzari A.C., worked diligently to guide the young whale back into the ocean. This collaborative effort reflects the importance of community involvement in conservation activities, especially when dealing with vulnerable marine species like the humpback whale, which are often affected by natural phenomena such as tidal changes.
The successful return of the calf is a significant event for local marine conservation initiatives, shedding light on the challenges faced by marine life in Oaxaca's coastal areas. It underscores the critical role that protected areas play in both habitat preservation and active rescue operations, contributing toward the protection of endangered species and fostering a greater awareness of marine ecology within local communities.