Whale Found Stranded In Rodeo Died Of Malnutrition

A gray whale that was stranded in Rodeo last week died as a result of malnutrition, according to scientists at the Marine Mammal Center.

During a necropsy of the 41-foot adult female, researchers noted the whale had a significant lack of blubber and body fat, signs of malnutrition.

This year, researchers have observed gray whales in poor condition during the whales’ annual migration.

According to the Marine Mammal Center, the whales’ poor condition is potentially attributed to abnormal oceanographic conditions over the past few years that is impacting the whales’ food source.