J32, Rhapsody - Necropsy description - December 6th, 2014 - Bates Beach, Comox This description includes graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised. The necropsy began with a beautiful ceremony by a local Indigenous man. A sage smudging was performed over her body with particular attention paid to her womb, and dried and crushed cedar were spread with our prayers for her. Both the biologists and the public were able to spread the cedar with out prayers. It was a very moving and powerful way to send Rhapsody on to rest and thank her for the information she and her calf have provided to science. After this official measurements took place and external photographs were taken. The first cuts released gases from the body and began the process of removing the 2-3 inch thick layer of blubber. These pieces were packaged as samples for various labs and the excess was set aside. Both pectoral fins and the dorsal fin were removed and set aside. The head was carefully removed to be sent to a lab in the US for MRI testing to look at brain size and shape, as well as rule out acoustic trauma - though that is not suspected as a cause of death. The stomach area was cut open and the uterus, with calf still inside was removed from the body and transported to a truck. The calf will not be removed from the body until it is in a lab. The current theory on her cause of death is that the calf may have died first, resulting in an infection, which contributed or caused Rhapsodys death. Lab results will either confirm or deny this theory. The intestines were spread out their entire length and opened to reveal health and recent diet. Excess muscle and flesh were removed from the bones to make cleaning them for the Royal BC Museum easier. The calves skeleton, if in a state it can be displayed, will also be sent to the RBCM.
Posted on: Sun, 07 Dec 2014 16:28:30 +0000
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