Parasite Cited in Plight of 27 Beached Whales
Associated Press
ORLANDO, Fla. —
An unidentified parasite found in the stomachs and intestines of false killer whales that beached themselves off Key West contributed to the deaths of 18 of the animals, marine experts said Saturday.
Two of the whales thought to have the best chance of surviving arrived at Sea World of Florida’s Orlando habitats Saturday, two days after they and 25 others in their pod swam ashore on two islands. All but nine of the 27 sea mammals have died. Parasites have been found in whales that beached themselves in the past.
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