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Juvenile Gray Whale Rescued from Washington River

4/3/2026

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Story summary
  • A juvenile gray whale nicknamed Willapa Willy was spotted in the Willapa River, Pacific County, Washington, on April 1.
  • Local authorities and the Chinook Tribe guided the whale back toward the ocean using ceremonies.
  • As of April 2, the whale remained in the river.
  • The Cascadia Research Collective planned on-water response for April 3 if the whale did not exit the river.
  • Gray whales are protected under the Endangered Species Act.