My Dear and estimable second grade class,
I have seen a humpback caught in a gill net.
Two years ago I helped a southern right whale with his tail caught in an
anchor chain. The chain was the mooring of a whale watching boat from Puerto
Piramides in Argentina.
Puerto Piramides is a tiny town of 200 people right where the Patagonian
desert meets the sea. The entire town became very involved including the
voluteer Fire Department (Los Bombaderos and one Bombadera) .
The whale was carefully towed to a sandy beach and when the tide went out
the chain was removed. A bucket brigade kept the whale cool and wet. the
whale named "Garra" recovered and swam away at sunset.
The whale lice (cyamids) do not bother the whales. In fact they help keep
wounds clean so they heal faster and do not get infected. the whales can
certainly remove the lice by rubbing on a sandy bottom but never seem to do
that.
It is wonderful to hear of your enthusiasm. if you have more questions
please send them on.
electronically yours .
Dr. Tom Ford
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