Family get a shock on Sunday walk and find a 4 foot mammal along the Wirral coast

Aug 17 2011 by Linda Foo Guest, Wallasey News

A FAMILY made a shock find when they went for a Sunday walk along the Wirral coast – and found a large dead mammal.

Jemma Parker and her family were walking along Thurstaston beach when they came across the 4ft long porpoise washed up on the shore.

Jemma, 27, of Pensby told the News: “I was walking along with my four-year-old boy, partner and other family members when we saw it washed up in the tide.

“We were shocked, but excited to know what it was, so took pictures to find out. We thought it was a baby whale, possibly a pilot whale.

“We contacted the council and environmental heath to let them know.

“They emailed the pictures to the National History Museum in London and it turned out to be a porpoise.”

The porpoise is related to whales and dolphins, and one possibility is that it may have been attacked by a dolphin.

Senior park ranger at Wirral Country Park, Josef Hanick, added: “We are seeing more seals and porpoises in the rivers Dee and Mersey because it is a lot cleaner.

“In the past, autopsies on porpoises have revealed internal damage from dolphins. We don’t think it is for food because there is plenty of it out there. Probably to play with, like cats do with mice.

“There is a large population in Liverpool bay and the Irish Sea, they usually come to shore during spring and summer months.

“We have two strong tidal rivers which can lead to stranding of seals, dolphins and porpoises which is more of a concern because they are still alive and we need to get them back in the water. But often carcasses are washed up.

“If we do get any in large numbers then we will do and autopsy.

“Animals die and unfortunately get washed up.”