Researchers and volunteers gather around a deceased minke whale at the start of an on-site necropsy at Carova Beach on March 8, 2024.
Onlookers and volunteers photograph a minke whale necropsy at Carova Beach. Photographs are an important component of the necropsy, and are used to help determine cause of death and support research.
Michael Tift, director of the UNCW Marine Mammal Stranding Program, examines the minke whale’s heart for abnormalities during the necropsy.
UNCW PhD. student Zaaz Santhanam labels biological samples during the necropsy. A variety of samples are gathered for ongoing and future research.
Craig Harms, a researcher from the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Center for Marine Sciences and Technology, sits in the cavity of the whale while dissecting her intestine.
Left: A close up photo of the whale’s stomach. Right: Haley Stratton, a postdoc resident at the NC State University College of Veterinary Medicine, holds the whale’s scapula during the necropsy.
Left: Zaaz Santhanam, a UNCW PhD. student takes a break to pose for a portrait. Right: A close up photo of the whale’s body.
Researchers and volunteers take detailed measurements of the minke whale prior to the necropsy. Afterwards, her remains were buried on location.