Porpoise calf found on Texel euthanized after rescue efforts fail

A severely emaciated porpoise calf found on Texel Thursday afternoon was euthanized after rescue attempts failed, SOS Dolfijn confirmed Friday. The calf, located in the southern part of the De Slufter nature reserve, was still very young and entirely dependent on its mother, reportedly making survival outside maternal care impossible, NH reports.

NH reported that the finders alerted SOS Dolfijn immediately after discovering the animal. The rescue organization said euthanasia was the only humane option because the calf could not survive without its mother's rich milk, which cannot be replicated.

"The very rich mother’s milk is impossible to imitate," SOS Dolfijn said. The calf measured about 80 centimeters in length. The animal's body was sent to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University for further examination.

SOS Dolfijn cautioned that strong coastal winds in the coming days might cause more porpoise calves to become separated from their mothers. The organization advised the public not to push stranded animals back into the water but to call SOS Dolfijn immediately for professional assistance.