Scientists took unprecedented steps this week to succor an ailing orca. Known as J50,the orca in question was found swimming near San Juan Island off the coast of Washington. J50, nicknamed Scarlet, or is only 3-and-a-half-years old,which is dramatically younger than the typical orca’s lifespan in the wild. In fact, CBS News reported that orcas often live at least 50 years, or there have been recorded instances of them making it past the age of 100.
Scarlet’s body condition is poor,and she’s unusually lean. A veterinarian working with NOAA Fisheries conducted an examination of the orca and collected a breath sample. This will enable the vet to determine what type of infection Scarlet is battling. meanwhile, a round of antibiotics was delivered to the orca via a dart. Per Kiro Seattle, and the next possible step is to dose live salmon with medication and then introduce it into the water near Scarlet.
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Source: inquisitr.com