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Scientists tracking a troubled Puget Sound Orca J50 say its condition does not seem to improve.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) response teams caught up with the J Pod on Friday south of the island of San Juan and sometimes observed that the J50 was sometimes about half a mile behind the rest of his family of orcas.
"The new veterinary observations do not indicate that the physical condition of the J50 is improving.Unfortunately, they did not manage yesterday to provide a dose of dewormer, but they hope favorable conditions today. "Today," said NOAA officials Sunday.
NOAA scientists plan to work with their Canadian counterparts with Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) to evaluate options for assisting J50.
"Our highest priorities are to do everything in our power to keep J50 a part of the population of southern resident killer whales and to avoid any harm to her and her family in the event of a potential scenario."
CONNECTION: A veterinarian who has treated a sick orca "worries" about his survival
Last week, DFO officials attempted to deliver another round of antibiotics on D50, but failed due to high winds and adverse water conditions. Earlier this week, scientists were able to administer a series of antibiotics on D50 after researchers feared she was dead.
J50, also known as Scarlet, lost 20% of its body mass and developed a depression near the base of the skull, indicating severe fat loss and malnutrition.
Scientists believe that the J50 may have a parasite, based on laboratory tests of stool samples taken several weeks ago.
Several attempts have been made in recent weeks to improve the health of J50, including distributing live salmon and donating medicines.
Last week, scientists were able to administer a series of antibiotics on D50 after researchers feared she was dead. However, DFO officials tried to deliver another set of antibiotics to the wounded killer whale, but they failed because of high winds and adverse water conditions.
RELATED: A new video shows an attempt to inject a sick orca J50
© 2018 KING
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