Rare Pygmy Killer Whale Found Dead on Odisha Coast: Investigating the Loss of an Elusive Marine Species

A rare pygmy killer whale, estimated to weigh between 800-1,000 kg, was discovered dead along the coastline of Odisha's Bhadrak district, according to officials on Sunday.

The deceased marine mammal was found near Kasia fishing jetty on Saturday morning. Officials reported that the whale measured approximately 15 feet in length with a girth of nearly 6 feet.

Basudevpur's Forest Range Officer Atulya Kumar Mohanty noted that pygmy killer whales are seldom observed as they typically inhabit deeper ocean waters. "It may have sustained injuries from a collision with a boat or trawler, which likely caused it to drift toward the shore," he explained.

The whale's remains were transported to the Forest Department's office in Basudevpur, where Block Veterinary Officer Sudipta Jena and Marine Fisheries Extension Officer Jagadish Barik performed a necropsy examination.

Officials collected tissue and blood samples for further analysis and initiated an investigation to determine the precise cause of death.

The unusual sighting attracted numerous onlookers to the beach, eager to view the rare marine creature which typically inhabits tropical and subtropical waters.

Despite having "whale" in its name, officials clarified that this mammal is actually a member of the dolphin family, recognizable by its distinctive white lips and dark eyepatch.