Minke Whale Rescue

Overview

Sea World, in conjunction with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, came to the aid of a six metre Minke Whale stranded on a sandbank 2nm off Toondah Harbour at Cleveland on June 17 1999.

Sea World staff arrived at Toondah Harbour with Sea World II and an inflatable whale pontoon specially designed by Sea World to relocate stranded animals out to sea. Sea World staff and Marine Parks rangers worked in freezing water temperatures to secure the animal, and inflate the pontoon. Once secured on the pontoon, the whale was towed behind the Marine Parks barge 'Spoonbill' to Toondah Harbour where it was rested for the night.

The following morning, the animal was towed by the 'Spoonbill', escorted by Sea World 1 and Marine Parks boat, the 'Teale', across Moreton Bay to Amity Point where Sea World's veterinarian collected blood samples and measurements prior to release. This data is used to give an indication of the general health of the animal and is held on a central database for comparisons with future stranded animals. It is also included in the annual report on stranded cetacea to the International Whaling Commission.

The animal was then towed through South Passage and released approximately 1.5nm north east of Amity Point. It was observed to be swimming strongly in a northerly direction, surfacing regularly.