January 26, 2006

"The death of a bottlenose whale in the Thames from dehydration, muscle damage and reduction in kidney function confirms our thoughts that the whale drove itself into the shallows of the river because it was feeling unwell and had become disorientated. We hope that the whale's death serves as a reminder of the fragility of these animals," said Leah Garcés, Director of Campaigns at the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA), and a spokesperson for Whalewatch.

She added: "Across the world, more than 2,000 whales are hunted and killed each year through inhumane "scientific" and commercial whaling by Norway, Iceland and Japan. Whalewatch has been campaigning for three years, lobbying national and international governments to put an end to this unnecessary and cruel practice. More than 140 organisations are members of Whalewatch - it is an issue of global concern."