𝐃𝐑 𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐆𝐎 𝐓𝐎 𝐁𝐔𝐑𝐘 𝐑𝐀𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐄 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐅𝐀𝐈𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐂𝐔𝐄 𝐌𝐈𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍

user 05-Jul-2026 East Africa News

By Our Reporter

Authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have announced plans to bury the carcass of a rare whale that washed ashore along the country's Atlantic coast after days of unsuccessful rescue efforts.

The whale, believed to be a humpback, became stranded near Muanda on 2 July, attracting hundreds of residents hoping to witness the rare marine visitor.

Despite repeated attempts by conservation teams to return the animal to deeper waters, the whale died after becoming trapped in shallow water. Heavy lifting equipment was later brought in to remove the massive carcass from the beach.

Officials said the whale will be buried at a secure site in accordance with international guidelines for stranded marine mammals. Residents have also been warned not to butcher, consume or handle the carcass because of potential health risks.