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Youngest Sperm Whale Calf Found Dead in Devon

2/26/2026

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Story summary
  • A newborn sperm whale calf, measuring 12 feet, was found dead at Challaborough Bay in Devon, marking the youngest ever recorded in England and Wales.
  • Experts from the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) indicated that recent storms may have contributed to its death.
  • Rob Deaville from CSIP confirmed this calf is the smallest and youngest sperm whale documented in the region's history.
  • The whale likely ingested sand before dying, and its body may have drifted north due to storm activity.
  • This incident represents the first sperm whale stranding in Devon in nearly 120 years.