2023-10-30 13:35:00
“We might not establish a clear cause of death,” said Kelle Moreau, of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (KBIN). “There are traces that indicate a problem with the lymphatic system, but this requires further investigation.” In the meantime, three candidates have already come forward for the skeleton of the animal.
The orca washed up on the beach in De Panne on Sunday, following having been seen earlier along the coast. Shortly following, the animal died. “In the meantime, the autopsy has been completed,” Mr. Moreau said. “We found that the animal had not eaten anything for several days, its stomach and intestines being empty. So it was clearly weakened. No fractures were detected, so we can assume that it is not collided with anything.”
The orca that washed up on the Belgian coast has died (VIDEO)
However, during the autopsy, investigators found traces of problems with the lymphatic system, which might indicate an infection. “This might possibly explain the weakening, but this needs further laboratory investigation. Toxicological tests will also be carried out to check for chemical contamination.
In addition to Ghent University, the municipalities of De Panne and Koksijde also asked to take charge of the skeleton. “The law states that the Belgian state is the owner anyway, but the skeleton can be loaned,” Mr Moreau said. “We hope that the candidates will be able to reach an agreement among themselves.
1698675815
#autopsy #orca #died #Panne #Sunday #reveals
