Tuesday, February 16, 2021

Did You Know, Whales Need Fresh Water?

 


I was surprised to learn that whales can not drink ocean water. What do they do? Drink rain water?

The answer: Whales receive all their hydration through the sea creatures they eat. If they don't eat they will die from thirst before they die from hunger. 


Isn't that a fun little fact? 

I learned it in this video about a Pilot Whale rescue. This story is pretty fascinating! I hope you enjoy watching it, too!

https://youtu.be/wXZio54CSbI



This Pilot Whale became lost close to shore. A research team was sent to investigate. They had to give the whale water because it was severely dehydrated. They tried several times to lead it out to the open ocean, but everytime it came back to the shore area. After some testing the researchers concluded that the whale had a problem with it's sonar system and was unable to locate any prey. Without being able to eat the whale would eventually die. Fortunately, for the whale, Sea World in California was able, and willing to transport the suffering whale to their location. They put this whale on an airplane and flew it to California! Can you believe that? Anyway, that is where the poor Pilot Whale was able to live out his days. He died in 2012.

Genesis 1:21 

 And God created great whales, and every living creature that moveth, which the waters brought forth abundantly, after their kind, and every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good.

Further reading:

https://www.nature.com/news/whale dies from dehydration

https://blog.seattlepi.com/candacewhiting/2012/05/28/seaworlds-pilot-whale-sully-dies-a-story-of-successful-rescue-and-early-death/

2 comments:

Sunshine Country said...

That is so interesting! I never knew that whales needed fresh water. Thanks for sharing this post, I enjoyed reading it. :)

Sister in the Mid-west said...

Thank you for the comment, Sunshine Country! I am glad you enjoyed this post! :)