Baby minke whale stuck in River Thames is put down ‘to end its suffering’

The infant mammal became trapped in Richmond Lock in South West London at around 7.30pm last night - and was moved this morning with hopes of releasing it back into the sea.

But due to its “deteriorating condition”, the decision was made to put the animal to sleep, Julia Cable, national co-ordinator at the British Divers Marine Life Rescue service, said.

“The last 45 minutes we were with the whale its condition was deteriorating, its breathing wasn’t right and it wouldn’t have survived much longer,” Ms Cable said.

“The vets said it was clearly suffering and that it was the right decision.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RET_rP83rtc