This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Entangled Gray Whale "June" Free at Last!
A gray whale first spotted mid-April entangled in over 120 feet of rope in San Onofre has finally been completely freed.
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center, who have been part of the rescue operation to free the whale, nicknamed "June," since the beginning, were able to get the whale partially disentangled before they lost track of the mammal in the waters. This afternoon, the PMMC report that "a group of fisherman with The Spud Point Crab Company off the coast of Bodega Bay were able to catch up with the whale, and successfully remove the last bit of debris hindering the whale."
Buoys attached to the whale were identified as belonging to the PMMC, confirming that she was in fact the elusive June.
A PMMC spokesperson said the group is thrilled June is free and are glad to "have such a happy ending."
June, it appears, is pretty glad, too. Tony Anello of The Spud Point Crab Company says the whale "showed obvious signs of gratitude," once she was free.
Good luck to you out there, June!
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
