Whale calf found dead off Samaná was ’stillborn’

Samana, Dominican Republic.- A whale calf was found dead Fridayin the waters of the Cabo Samaná Natural Monument, where according to the EnvironmentMinistry was apparently stillborn.

In a statement, Environment said a preliminary report onthe dead whale’s condition showed that people weren’t involved.

Moreover, the 4.35-meter long calf didn’t show visible signsof entanglement or bruises.

"The calf was found dead floating on the water next tothe monument of Talanquera, as confirmed by the provincial director and rangersfrom that district," the statement said.

"Apparently, this whale was a few hours old since itstill had the umbilical cord. It’s normal during the humpback whales visitationseason," said marine biologist Omar Reynoso, quoted by elcaribe.com.do.