Dead killer whale on the Belgian coast. “There was no way to save this animal.”

An orca was spotted off the coast of Belgium on Sunday morning.

– The animal was constantly swimming very close to the shore. It tried to go out to sea several times, but the waves made it too difficult for it, reported Kelle Moreau from the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (KBIN).

Later that day, the body of an orca was found on the beach in De Panne. Despite many attempts to save her, she died. – There was no way to save this animal – added the scientist from KBIN.

The expert said the male orca measured about six meters. Its gender was determined thanks to its fin. The reason why the marine mammal swam so close to shore remains unknown.

Sea Shepherd France hopes that an autopsy carried out on Monday will reveal more about the cause of death.

The appearance of an orca on the Belgian coast is rare. There have been four such cases reported since 1900. The last time an orca washed ashore was in 1950, the VRT website reported.

Last October, a female killer whale swam ashore near the town of Cadzand in the Netherlands. This animal also did not survive.

Orcas mainly hunt fish and seals. – There is plenty of food for them in these waters – Jan Haelters, a biologist from KBIN, told the VRT portal. – But it’s strange and unique that they come so close to our coast – he added.

Orca (Orcinus orca) is a species of marine mammal belonging to the dolphin family (Delphinidae). It is characterized by black and white skin color. These animals are considered the most social cetaceans. They live in groups led by the oldest and most experienced female.