Beluga whale trapped in River Seine euthanized

 

 

Rescuers were able to remove the Beluga whale from the Seine, but it was later euthanized due to its worsening conditions. The cetacean was euthanized while on its way to a saltwater pool in Normandy after being stuck at Saint-Pierre-La-Garenne, a freshwater lock 45 miles northwest of Paris, starting on Aug. 2. The whale's health quickly deteriorated after it refused food, according to the conservation group Sea Shepherd France. Weighing about 1,800 pounds, the whale was at least 800 pounds underweight, and veterinary exams revealed no digestive activity. Authorities injected the all-white Beluga with vitamins Saturday in hopes of reviving its appetite and strength. Rescuers described it Monday as alert but not eating.


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Vocabulary:
1.  Euthanize - put (a living being, especially a dog or cat) to death humanely 
2.  Respiratory - relating to or affecting respiration or the organs of respiration 
3.  Anoxia - an absence of oxygen 

 

Questions:
1.  Discuss the unfortunate death of the Beluga whale trapped in River Seine.
2.  What did the veterinarians notice during the rescue attempt?
3.  Reveal why the animal was euthanized.
4.  Give your thoughts on the failure of the rescue mission. 
5.  Are you in favor of animal euthanasia? Defend your answer.