The beluga lost for more than a week in the Seine was euthanized on arrival in Ouistreham.
The beluga from the Seine was euthanized The beluga, which had been discovered more than a week ago in the Seine, had to be euthanized on its arrival in Ouistreham (Calvados) after being transferred by truck from a lock in the ‘Eure to the Norman port, announced the prefecture.
“The beluga arrived on Wednesday August 10 at 10.30 a.m. at the Border Veterinary and Phytosanitary Inspection Service (SIVEP), located in Ouistreham, to carry out a veterinary and health expertise before considering its potential transfer to the Ouistreham lock” , said the prefecture of Calvados in a press release.
In pictures: the evacuation of the beluga from the seine
“Despite the technical and logistical means implemented, the condition of the cetacean unfortunately deteriorated during the trip. The veterinary expertise revealed the beluga’s situation of great weakness and failing respiratory activity. The decision therefore been taken collectively, with the veterinarians, to euthanize him”, added the prefecture. .
A deterioration in his condition during transport by truck on Wednesday morning
On twitter, Sdis veterinarian Florence Ollivet-Courtois explained that the cetacean had suffered a deterioration in its condition during transport by truck on Wednesday morning. “During the trip, the veterinarians noted a deterioration in his condition, in particular his respiratory activities. And we could see at the moment that the animal was in anoxia (a decrease in the quantity of oxygen, editor’s note) , therefore insufficiently ventilated, and therefore the suffering was obvious for this animal,” said Ms. Ollivet-Courtois.
“We decided that it was not relevant to release him and therefore that it was necessary to proceed with his euthanasia,” she added.
The NGO Sea Shepherd also confirmed the death of the cetacean.
“It is with heavy hearts that we announce that the beluga did not survive the translocation which was risky, but essential to give an otherwise doomed animal a chance. Following the deterioration of his condition, veterinarians made the decision to euthanize him,” one read on Twitter.
The presence of the marine animal spotted more than a week ago in the Seine, when it usually evolves in cold waters, had caused a great stir, even beyond the French borders.
© Agence France-Presse