25/08/2026
🐋 A heartbreaking dwarf s***m whale stranding near Jeffreys Bay
On the morning of 13th of August, a young whale was reported stranded alive at Kabeljous near Jeffreys Bay.
The local NSRI Station 37, first responders on behalf of Bayworld, sent through photographs and videos. Although initially reported as a dolphin, Bayworld staff identified the animal as a dwarf s***m whale.
The young whale was stabilised on the beach while Bayworld biologists and veterinary staff from Oribi Animal Clinic assessed its condition. Unfortunately, it had injuries to its lower jaw and was very young, likely still dependent on its mother. The whale was reported to the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE), who gave for it to be euthanised to prevent further suffering.
Dr Sibu Ngqulana and Mfundo Kanana from Bayworld conducted a necropsy.
But the story became even more heartbreaking.
NSRI Station 37 was notified of another dwarf s***m whale stranded a few kilometres further along the coast towards the Gamtoos River Mouth. This time, they found a much larger animal that was already deceased.
The second animal was an adult female, and given the timing and proximity of the two strandings, it is highly likely that she was the mother of the calf.
During her necropsy, she was also found to be pregnant.
Interestingly, adult female dwarf and pygmy s***m whales can be pregnant and lactating at the same time. A similar situation was documented following a mother-and-calf stranding in Mossel Bay earlier this year.
Dwarf s***m whales are a relatively little-studied species, which makes strandings like these incredibly valuable from a research perspective. The Bayworld team was able to collect important samples and record valuable biological data during the necropsies, adding to the research collection and helping us learn more about this elusive species.
While the outcome of these strandings was incredibly sad, the information collected from these animals will hopefully help us better understand their biology, ecology and the challenges they face in our waters.
A huge thank you to NSRI Station 37, Oribi Animal Clinic and DFFE, as well as everyone involved in the Bayworld response, assessment, necropsies and collection of scientific samples.
Even in the saddest strandings, there is still something we can learn. 🐋💙
