Sperm Whale and the Sad Facts

It's rare that a whale comes into the harbor in Santa Rosalia, Mexico although according to the old timers whales used to be an everyday occurence outside the breakwater.

Yesterday, a sperm whale entered the harbor and thrashed about. Upon closer inspection, the poor animal had cuts and lacerations on it's dorsal, probably from a prop on a boat (maybe a panga?). I am not an expert on whales by any stretch of the imagination... I only saw my first whale 2 years ago. But since that first time, I have seen hundreds: gray whales, humpbacks, fin whales, pilot whales... and now, sperm whales. This is the first encounter, however, that we have ever had with an injured whale.

I don't know if this creature was a juvenile or if it was a Dwarf Sperm or a Pigmy Sperm, but it was pretty small. It was probably 15' long, a little male, and it appeared to be trying to keep itself from being beached on the rocks. Based on internet research, I believe this animal is a younger Sperm Whale, and not the Pygmy or Dwarf. The dorsal fin is too chunky. If anyone out there can disprove me, please... by all means do so!

 Tim, our 15 year old, took these amazing photos. The saddest part, I think, is that there is nothing anyone can do. An injured whale is dangerous and unpredictable... the same as any wild animal. The sperm whale possesses the largest brain of any living creature. We hope this little guy uses his and finds a safe place to hide until he's healed.

On the positive side, the whale was not found on the rocks this morning and appears to have left the harbor.