Small Whale Euthanized After Washing Ashore On Zuma Beach

MALIBU, CA – Veterinarians were forced to euthanize a small pygmy sperm whale which was rescued after washing ashore in Malibu Friday morning. The 800-pound, 9-foot-long pygmy sperm whale drew a small crowd after being spotted sometime before 8:30 a.m. on Zuma Beach, CBS reported.

Rescuers and volunteers initially tried to push the whale back into the ocean, but realized it was too weak. It was then transported to a nearby lifeguard station for treatment.

The whale was found to be suffering from numerous health issues, including chronic woundsand diarrhea Jennifer Brent, the Wildlife Center's executive director, told KTLA.

“This is a pygmy sperm whale, it’s not a common species that we get reports of in this area,” Veterinarian Stephany Lewis told CBS2. “It appears to be in good body condition, but it does appear to have injuries and infection to both eyes with is currently rendering it blind.”

It was euthanized a little before 11 a.m., officials told CBS2. The carcass will be taken to the National History Museum for testing, KTLA reported.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Google Earth/Google Maps