American officials are considering removing an extremely ill endangered orca from her family unit for a hands-on physical exam, saying field treatment has been unsuccessful.
The orca known as J-50 is one of only 75 remaining southern resident killer whales and has declined over recent months to the point where she is emaciated and often lagging behind her pod.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says in a statement issued last night that veterinarians believe they have exhausted all reasonable remote treatment options and her survival is unlikely, so it’s hosting public meetings this weekend to gauge public opinion on further intervention.
The administration says response teams would only act to rescue J-50 if she becomes stranded or separated from the rest of her family group, so that any risks of the intervention to the pod are minimized.