Whale stranded in South Kingstown had brain infection, necropsy finds

SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WLNE) — The fin whale that was stranded near a marina in South Kingstown appeared to have a brain infection, according to preliminary results from a necropsy of its body.

Mystic Aquarium Vice President of External Relations Meagan Seacor said the results were “had findings consistent with a brain infection, a heavy load of parasites in the kidneys, and no evidence of blunt force trauma or entanglement.”

The 40-foot-long whale was found stranded on Feb. 29, and the aquarium decided to euthanize the animal the following day due to its “poor condition.”

Seacor added that results from additional testing are pending.

A pilot whale was found dead on a beach in Narragansett the same day the fin whale was euthanized.