Sperm Whale Death in Palermo, Sicily

A sperm whale is found dead on the beach in Palermo. This is the second dead sperm whale after the one found in Cefalù, also in Sicily, a few days before. Both of the sperm whales are young: probably juveniles of around 7 years old. Veterinarians do not know yet the causes of death but all the plastic found in the stomach of the first sperm whale for sure compromised its capacity of feeding. So far, the possibility of entanglement in fishing gear has been excluded by the veterinarians, while the possible impact of viral diseases is still to be assessed.