4.30pm: Rescuers are working to keep a baby humpback comfortable and hydrated after it beached itself at Puckeys beach.
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The team of rescuers, which includes ORRCA representatives and National Parks and Wildlife staff, are awaiting the arrival of a vet from Sydney’s Taronga Zoo to assess the stranded animal.
“We’re keeping the animal comfortable [and] we’re keeping it hydrated until we can get a vet to come and assess it,” an ORRCA spokesman said.
The whale – described as a very small calf, about 3.9 metres long – beached itself about noon on Thursday.
The spokeswoman said a member of the public alerted ORRCA of the animal’s predicament.
The whale, which is understood to only be days old, became separated from its mother – for reasons that are not yet known.
“It had beached itself, but we really don’t know the circumstances as to whether it was unwell or [whether] mum got into trouble. It’s very hard for us to say why it beached, at this stage,” she said.
There were no other whales in the vicinity, which was “of concern” given the calf was very young, she said.
The rescue operation, which has already been going for at least five hours, could continue into the night.
“These rescues can go all night. We just won’t be leaving that calf by itself,” she said.
“We need to keep it comfortable and then get the vet’s decision as to where we go from here.”
Wollongong City Council workers, staff from Skydive the Beach and police officers have all been involved in the rescue effort.
2.30pm: Volunteers and wildlife authorities have worked desperately to save a baby humpback whale that beached itself at Puckeys Beach on Thursday.
A large crowd has watched the rescue efforts unfold - both on the sand and from a distance.
It’s understood the whale washed ashore about 1pm.
At one stage there was a call for more manpower to help carry the whale out into deeper water.
Later, a plea for passersby to grab a bucket and help try and keep the animal alive.
Wollongong City Council staff, Skydive the Beach workers, police, National Parks and Wildlife Service staff and ORRCA were on the scene.
More to come