Pilot whale had to be euthanized despite initial hope

Cruising around West Loch Tarbert, UK, for the last three weeks, the long-finned pilot whale had lovingly been dubbed with the name BunaDon-Piley and was monitored daily by the BDMLR Hebrides.

It was on Friday afternoon that the news about his stranding in a quicksand area in the Outer Hebrides was reported. However, with the tide rising, the team was not able to assess and help the animal at that time. When they arrived at the site at first light the next morning, the animal was nowhere to be found. Repeated scouring of the entire area did not give any more clues about BunaDon-Piley’s whereabouts. At this time, the team was optimistic that he had found his own way out to the open water.

This hope quickly dropped when the outgoing tide revealed a glimpse of the pilot whale far inland. Despite the medics’ quick attendance, it was obvious that BunaDon-Piley would not be able to survive the oncoming stranding. All parties agree that it “was in the best interest of this animal to have him quickly and humanely euthanised once he stranded on the low tide, this was then arranged and carried out.”

Sadly, the pilot whale locally known as BunaDon-Piley had to be euthanized after stranding repeatedly.

BDLMR Hebrides thanked all its medics and team members for their relentless effort.

The full coverage can be found here: (20) BDMLR Hebrides - Posts | Facebook