Stranded Whale Euthanized After Malibu Lifeguard Rescue

MALIBU, CA — A stranded whale was euthanized after it was rescued at Malibu Surfrider Beach on Sunday, according to the Associated Press.

Los Angeles County Lifeguards and firefighters removed the stranded pygmy sperm whale from the shoreline at around 4:40 p.m. Sunday, according to LA County Lifeguards.

The whale was transferred to California Wildlife Rescue where it was euthanized because of its poor health and injuries sustained from hitting rocks at low tide, the Associated Press reported. Photos on social media show the whale had bloody scratches all over its body.

Many people took to social media to check up on the whale and send their best wishes. Some noted that Surfrider Beach is very rocky, a possible explanation for the whale's cuts.

This isn't Malibu's only animal rescue in recent months. Lifeguards in February rescued an injured dolphin from a rocky portion of Dana Point.

LA County lifeguards rescued a dog from Zuma Beach on Jan. 24. The dog was found about 600 yards from the shore, the lifeguards said. Lifeguards put the dog on a rescue sled and brought it back to its owner. The adorable reunion was caught on video and posted to the lifeguards' Instagram.