He (or she) is probably toast.
On Wednesday, observers at the Ballard Locks caught what appeared to be a gray whale swimming in the connection between Puget Sound and lakes Washington and Union. At this time of year, healthy gray whales migrate from Mexico to the colder waters of the Arctic.
Howard Garrett, co-director of the Orca Network, anticipates that the whale spotted in Ballard was likely looking for a place to die.
"Via the other photos and video, it looks very emaciated," Garrett said. "And gray whales often find a place to wash up and expire in Puget Sound, so probably this one is looking for such a place, or just likely to end up on a beach somewhere."
A visitor from Oregon named Rudy Zamora took this amazing video. The whale is still hanging out! Come on down and see if you can spot it!
Posted by Hiram M. Chittenden Locks - Ballard Locks on Wednesday, April 6, 2016
If you see the whale again, call a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration hotline at (206) 526-4747.
