Veterinarian treating a sick killer whale "worries" about his survival

After weeks of planning in August, Dr. Martin Haulena took a historic photo behind a gun for a sick killer whale.

It had never been done before. Monday, he started again.

"The occasion was where she was the closest whale in the boat," he said.

Dr. Haulena is the chief veterinarian of the Vancouver Aquarium who is at the center of a historic intervention aimed at saving the life of a young whale. The hungry and sickly J50 is undergoing an unprecedented intervention to save an endangered Southern Oregon Orca.

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"The first time I saw her was an incredibly emaciated animal. She did not seem much better, if not better, from the angles I had while we were working with her on Monday, "said Dr. Haulena.

The critical situation of J50 is a reflection of its family groups, while southern resident killer whales are endangered with only 75 remaining and only a dozen spawners.

Last weekend, J50 disappeared, and many feared the worst.

"I think many of us thought she was dead," said Dr. Haulena. "I think a lot of us went, what could we have done? What could we have done?"

A celebration followed when J50 surprised everyone and was spotted alive, but remains a mystery in many ways.

See also | Orca J50 sick spotted alive, after being considered dead

"Is the data about what she eats, how much she eats, is she sharing with other members of her group? These data are invaluable. We still have no great pictures of her food or what she eats.final faecal sample on her part would be invaluable, "said Dr. Haulena.

For Dr. Haulena, the effort is encouraging and humbling, as various government and non-profit organizations, the University of Washington, individuals and two countries have teamed up.

J50 has caught the attention of the world and Dr. Haulena says the effort to save her is inspiring, even as her future remains fragile.

See also | Scientists deliver salmon to a sick orca J50

"It's a good thing to be part of it, but again, I have to stress, everyone is so worried about this whale, too." There's always an overwhelming feeling, this little girl has problems, "he said. .

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