Sight of dead whale distressing

Therefore, when I heard that a whale had been washed up on South Yanchep Beach I took the opportunity to have a look at a magnificent animal.

I walked down the beach path and came across a family on their return from their walk.

They told me a dead whale calf had had its head removed by people who they believed were authorised to do so for what the family thought was an autopsy.

The calf was left on the beach dismembered and with blood streaming into the water.

On my arrival, I could see that what was once a beautiful calf had had its head removed. The dismembered head was lying near its body, which also had large chunks of flesh removed from its back.

What a shame authorities had to mutilate such a magnificent animal. I believe this episode, as unfortunate as it was, could have been used for educational purposes so that the local schools, for a few days before the whale’s removal and burial, could have shown how truly beautiful and tragic nature can be.

I ask the people responsible can we not act more humanely in such circumstances.

Editor’s note: Department of Parks and Wildlife senior officer Doug Coughran told the North Coast Times they had explained to people at the beach that even though the whale had died, it would still contribute to our understanding of science and to do that they did have to take it apart and take scientific and health samples.

“I did ask those around for their comments and whether they agreed or disagreed, there were people around of all ages, from the elderly to the really young.

“We cleared it with parents but they said it was all part of the learning process,’ Mr Coughran said.

“I was worried if it wasn’t removed before sunrise, someone would see it and think something clandestine had happened.

“We tried to see if we could get the head off the beach to take it away so it didn’t seem so gory but it was just too heavy.

‘Even though it was a small whale, it was far too heavy.”