A large dead humpback whale washed up along the Zululand coastline this (Tuesday) morning, in the vicinity of 9 Mile Beach north of Sodwana Bay, within the iSimangaliso Wetland Park.

The carcass was spotted by beach-goers enjoying the Youth Day public holiday early in the morning.

ALSO READ: WATCH: Massive rescue mission to refloat beached whale

According to Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife, in natural, protected areas, the carcass is allowed to decompose naturally, letting the nutrients seep back into the ecosystem.

Humpback whales migrate northwards, up the KwaZulu-Natal coastline from June to August, calving in the warmer waters off Mozambique and Madagascar.

Because the fast-flowing Agulhas current pushes south, the whales hug the shallow inshore zone to conserve energy, making them highly visible from the coast.

They return south to the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Antarctic in October and November, but can be seen from the shore until December.

Don’t have the ZO app? Download it to your Android or Apple device here:

HAVE YOUR SAY

Like our Facebook page  and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer

TikTok – @zululand_observer