
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – This close-up shows the stranded Melon-Headed Whale being carried on a sling to a waiting truck. The whale was found beached south of Launch Pad 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center near Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. Workers from Kennedy, a veterinarian and representatives from the Hubbs/Sea World Research Institute share in the rescue. After assessment by veterinarians at Sea World, the whale will be transported to a whale rescue center in the Panhandle for rehabilitation and release. The Melon-Headed Whale lives well off-shore in all the world's tropical and sub-tropical oceans. At the northern fringes of its range, it may also be found in the warm currents of temperate waters, such as Florida. It is closely related to the Pygmy Killer Whale and the Pilot Whales. Its primary diet is squid. Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
Most NASA images are in the public domain and free to use. Credit NASA as the source. Check NASA's media usage guidelines for details. Images featuring identifiable individuals may require additional permissions.
NASA ID
KSC-08pd1825
Date Created
June 24, 2008
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
Download this image in multiple resolutions. All NASA media are free for public use.
Large
1920px