Whale in Distress: What Not to Do

Andrew discusses a concerning incident that occurred in Waikiki, Hawaii.

A humpback whale calf was separated from its mother and began beaching itself, putting its life at risk. While many people tried to alert the authorities, one woman made the unethical and illegal decision to ride the whale.

Andrew emphasizes the dangers and ignorance of such actions, as well as the importance of knowing how to respond when encountering distressed wildlife. He shares a personal story of finding a sea turtle nest and taking the appropriate steps to protect it.

Andrew urges listeners to be respectful guests in the ocean and not to touch or disturb marine wildlife. He concludes by wishing everyone a happy new year and teasing upcoming episodes of the podcast.

Link to article: https://www.newsweek.com/woman-mounts-distressed-baby-whale-beaching-1856383

 In the podcast episode, the host discusses the importance of knowing how to handle encounters with distressed animals, particularly whales. The episode focuses on a specific incident at Waikiki Beach in Hawaii, where a humpback whale calf became separated from its mother and was at risk of beaching itself. Numerous individuals witnessed the distressed whale and promptly alerted the authorities, taking action to potentially save its life.

The host emphasizes the crucial role of notifying the appropriate authorities when coming across an animal in distress. In this case, people promptly contacted the police, informed lifeguards, and notified nearby hotels about the situation. By taking these actions, they ensured that the necessary intervention was carried out to assist the whale.

Furthermore, the podcast episode highlights the illegal and unethical nature of riding a distressed humpback whale calf. The host stresses the dangers associated with such behavior, both for the person involved and the whale itself. Instances of individuals losing their lives while attempting to rescue entangled whales are mentioned, as they became entangled themselves and were unable to resurface for air. The host underscores the immense size and weight of humpback whales, emphasizing the potential for injury or harm to anyone attempting to ride them. Additionally, the host mentions the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which prohibits such interactions with marine mammals.

In the podcast episode, the host also underscores the significance of being a responsible guest in the ocean and refraining from touching or harassing wildlife. Personal experiences and stories are shared to further emphasize the importance of this message.

The host begins by recounting a disturbing incident in Hawaii where a woman chose to ride a distressed humpback whale calf. Expressing disbelief, the host strongly condemns this behavior as both illegal and ethically wrong. The dangers of interacting with marine mammals are explained, citing cases where individuals have tragically lost their lives while attempting to save entangled whales. Respecting the natural behavior and space of marine animals is emphasized, as they are powerful and potentially dangerous creatures.

Additionally, the host shares a personal experience of encountering a sea turtle, highlighting the need to observe and appreciate wildlife without interfering or causing harm.