Elusive whale species washes up at Little Brak River

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One of the world's most elusive whale species, the True's-Beaked whale and a calf have washed up at Little Brak River.

Tersia Marais from the Stranded Marine Animal Rescue Team (SMART) in Mossel Bay said it was only the second recording of a mother and calf of this species stranding on the South African coast.

She said a scientific team took samples of the whales and will do a full necropsy to gather as much information about the species as possible.

Local authorities have closed the beach until further notice as a precaution in case of shark activity in the area.

(Pics: Tersia Marais)