–

Biologists captured footage of a 17-meter fin whale showing a severe spine curvature as it swam along the coast of Valencia, Spain. The Valencia Oceanographic Foundation shared the update on its Facebook page, highlighting the unusual mobility of the whale and the apparent impact on its swimming. This incident drew attention from researchers who monitor marine life and coastal ecosystems across the region.

The sighting began when a local yacht captain noticed the whale and suspected it might be struggling, possibly caught in a fishing net. When a team of biologists and veterinarians arrived, they quickly determined that the whale was not entangled. Instead, imaging from a drone revealed a pronounced spinal deformity consistent with scoliosis, which explained the odd movement patterns observed by the crew. The team documented the condition with drone footage and expert assessments, noting the visible curvature in the whale’s spine.

Biologists considered attaching a tracking device to study the animal, but the severe spinal twist prevented the necessary placement. Within hours the fin whale remained close to the coastline, enduring pain and difficulty moving its tail. Despite fatigue and healthy but lingering whale lice, the animal continued to travel along the shore, illustrating the endurance and migratory drive of fin whales even under distress. This case contributes to long-term observations of how large cetaceans adapt to physical hardship during annual migrations.

Experts suggest that a spinal deformity in a fin whale could arise from a collision with a ship, among other potential causes. In recent years, drone cameras have also recorded other cetaceans with injuries, such as a humpback whale with a broken spine that swam a vast distance from northern British Columbia to Hawaii, underscoring the remarkable navigation abilities of these creatures in the face of trauma.

Scoliosis may also occur as a congenital condition. Historical records note instances like a killer whale born in British Columbia with spine curvature that affected swimming and hunting behavior, with outcomes that varied by case. Researchers emphasize that congenital or acquired spinal issues can influence how marine mammals swim, feed, and interact with their environment, sometimes affecting survival during critical life stages and migratory routes. [Citation: Valencia Oceanographic Foundation] [Citation: Marine Mammal Research Archives]