Vlieland friend was seriously ill: inflammation in lungs, brain and ears

The stranded pilot whale is examined in the cutting room of the Pathology Department - The pilot whale found dead on Vlieland's beach in early December was examined at Utrecht University's Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Investigations revealed that the animal was seriously ill and had inflammations in several organs. The adult female had meningitis and pneumonia as well as abnormalities in her teeth and hearing organs. According to biologist Lonneke IJsseldijk of Utrecht University, the latter findings were a probable reason for stranding: Whales use their hearing as their primary sense; to communicate, navigate and find prey. Then when there is inflammation in that, it can greatly limit the overall functioning of such an animal. Although the meningitis may also have disoriented the animal. Seriously ill.