Dead Whale in Dumaguete-Dauin
Like always, if there is a unusual creature anywhere in the world, the rumors go crazy. The same of course happened when a badly decomposed huge creature was found floating on the surface between Masaplod Norte and Apo Island. We all know that in the land of chissmiss, this must be a monster of the underworld. So the online-community on social networks voted for a Giant Squid at first.
The stinking creature was brought to the shoreline in Masaplod Norte and tight up. When we dropped by it was pretty clear that the dead creature looks like a whale. With the status of discomposure, the exact species is hard to determine.
Sperm Whale in Dumaguete?
Best bet would be a Sperm Whale or any close relative of it. Looking at the size of the teeth, it would not be an adult sperm whale, but also no very young one.
The size of the carcass, teeth and the blowhole compared to pictures and data online would suggest this species (without being experts in this field).
Stranded Sperm Whales in the Philippines
Stranded and dead sperm whales are no rarity in the Philippines. Just in October this year a dead sperm whale beached in Misamis Oriental. According to different media, the whale measured around 13 to 15 meters.
The status of the decomposing whale in Dauin was really beyond its prime and the carcass developed a bad stench. It can’t be said how long the creature has been dead already and what causes its death.
With getting closer to low tide, locals got into the water and tried to cut doubtful souvenirs out of it. The teeth of the dead whale were sold on shore for 1500 peso and more.