Ep 8. Humpback Whale
- October 1, 2013
- 23 min
Ocean Vet follows Dr. Neil Burnie as he travels across Bermuda in search of marine animals that require his care. In season 1 episode 8 titled "Humpback Whale," Dr. Burnie and his team set out to find and help a young humpback whale that has become stuck in shallow waters.
The episode begins with Dr. Burnie receiving a call from a concerned citizen who has spotted a humpback whale in distress near the shore. Dr. Burnie quickly mobilizes his team, including marine biologist Choy Aming and wildlife photographer Andrew Stevenson, and sets out to find the whale.
When they arrive at the site, they discover that the young whale has become tangled in a fishing net. Dr. Burnie carefully approaches the whale and attempts to remove the netting, but the whale becomes frightened and starts thrashing around, making the task difficult and dangerous.
Undeterred, Dr. Burnie decides to try a different approach and enlists the help of local fishermen to corral the whale closer to shore. Once the whale is safely beached, the team is able to remove the netting and examine the whale for any injuries.
The examination reveals that the whale has sustained some minor cuts and bruises, but is otherwise healthy. Dr. Burnie and his team work quickly to administer antibiotics and rehydrate the whale before releasing it back into the ocean.
Throughout the episode, the team provides fascinating insights into the behavior and biology of humpback whales. Viewers learn about the complex vocalizations that whales use to communicate, the migratory patterns of humpback whales, and the role that whales play in the ocean ecosystem.
The episode also touches on the impacts that humans have on marine life, particularly through fishing practices that can harm or kill whales and other animals. Dr. Burnie emphasizes the importance of responsible fishing practices to help preserve marine ecosystems and the creatures that call them home.
Overall, "Humpback Whale" is a fascinating and inspiring episode of Ocean Vet that showcases the beauty and complexity of marine life, and the tireless efforts of those who work to protect it.
