Rescuers free endangered right whale. Following an initial rescue on Christmas Day, when state personnel from Georgia and Florida, USA were able to free a young North Atlantic right whale from her entanglement in 150 feet of fishing rope and mesh debris, it was discovered more recently that the whale was still caught in fishing debris that had become tightly wrapped around her mouth and flippers. Using satellite tracking, scientists from the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) were able to identify her new location, and traveled there to use a rare sedation method only performed once before in an effort to free the whale from what were considered life-threatening restrictions. Once the sedative set in, the team had two hours to perform the delicate operation that would free the young whale from the lines that emerged from both sides of her mouth. NOAA personnel then treated her wounds and revived her. The endangered marine mammal, believed to be one in only 300 – 400 still in existence, will be tracked for a further 30 days to ensure her recovery.

A salute of gratitude to all US rescuers involved for your caring and persistent efforts to free this gentle giant. May humanity soon offer the same love and respect so that she and all marine co-inhabitants can swim the seas in lives of peaceful freedom.

http://www.cfnews13.com/article/news/2011/january/196871/Whale-sedated-then-disentangled-off-Cape-Canaveral.html