Baby sperm whale rescued off La Union

SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Philippines – A wounded baby sperm whale was rescued off the shores of Barangay Carlatan in this city on Friday morning.

The female whale, which weighs at least 100 kilos, is 6.5 feet long and has a body circumference of 45 inches, suffered injuries in its tail and left eye.

City veterinary office chief Christopher Apillado said residents found the whale at around 4 a.m. He estimated it to be at least one year old.

Apillado said the mammal’s injuries could have been caused by blunt objects thrown by someone who tried to catch her.

The whale was brought for treatment at the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in Sto. Tomas town.