Minke Whale Found Dead On Rockaway Shoreline: Parks

QUEENS — A minke whale was found on the Rockaway shoreline Friday morning, according to the city's Parks Department.

Parks was notified about 9 a.m. on Friday that the whale was found near Beach 29th Street.

The Atlantic Marine Conservation Society posted a photo of the whale on their Facebook page on Friday afternoon.

Biologists were examining the whale as tides allowed on Friday afternoon. Preliminary findings show the minke whale was about 15 to 20 feet long with several wounds across its body, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration..

The department, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, and NYS Department of Environmental Conservation are working on a plan for examination and disposal.

This is the 5th large whale to strand in New York since December 1 and the 23rd large whale to strand on the east coast since December 1, NOAA said.

"We mourn the loss of this awe-inspiring creature," the city's Department of Parks and Recreation said in a statement to Patch.