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Updated 29 Nov, 2023 08:34pm

Fisherman sets free rare ‘sperm whale’

In a remarkable display of compassion, a 30-foot-long sperm whale caught in a fisherman’s net near Ormara, Balochistan is now released back into the water.

The sperm whale, one of the world’s four largest whale species and the largest predator on the planet, typically weighs around 40,000 kilograms and can measure up to 16 meters from nose to tail tip. Primarily feeding on squid in the deep sea at depths ranging from 300 to 500 meters, these majestic creatures play a vital role in marine ecosystems.

Mohammad Shafiullah, a local fisherman, found himself faced with an unexpected challenge on Saturday morning as the sperm whale was trapped in his fishing net.

The fisherman cut the net and released the whale. It took about half an hour, Shafiullah

Expressing its appreciation, the sperm whale hovered around the boat around the net for about 15 minutes, Shafiullah said.

According to the WWF Technical Advisor, the sperm whale is one of the four largest whales found in Pakistan and it is considered to be the largest predator on Earth.

“Sperm whales are rare in Pakistan,” said Technical Advisor.

This recent rescue marks the first instance of a large whale being caught in fishing nets in Pakistan and let out.

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