UF aquatic health researchers investigate whale’s death

Aquatic Animal Health Program graduate student Jennifer McGee, left, and program staff member Heather Maness examine scarring patterns on the tail of a deceased pygmy sperm whale in an examination room at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine on Thursday, June 24, 2010. The whale was found alive on Fernandina Beach, Fla., Wednesday night and died a short time later. It was taken to UF for further study. Results of the examination will be given to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The pathologists do not think there is any reason to believe that the Gulf oil spill was a factor in the animal’s death, since this species is commonly found stranded on Florida’s coast. (University of Florida/Chris Bilowich)