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UC Santa Cruz Studies Juvenile Humpback, Plans Ocean Release

6/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

University of California, Santa Cruz researchers are studying a dead juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore near Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove.
Scientists estimate the whale was about two years old.
Tissue samples collected from the carcass may later reveal information about marine-mammal health in the area.
After testing, officials will tow the whale back into the ocean to let nature take its course.

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Story summary

University of California, Santa Cruz researchers are studying a dead juvenile humpback whale that washed ashore near Hopkins Marine Station in Pacific Grove.
Scientists estimate the whale was about two years old.
Tissue samples collected from the carcass may later reveal information about marine-mammal health in the area.
After testing, officials will tow the whale back into the ocean to let nature take its course.