Rare pygmy whale swallows plastic bag and dies on Honduras coast. 'Tragic event'

Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald on Aug 21, 2025

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A rare whale died off the coast of Honduras after ingesting a plastic bag in what’s been described as a “tragic event.”

The marine mammal — a young pygmy sperm whale — was spotted in distress near the island of Utila on Aug. 19, according to a news release from the Kanahau Utila Research and Conservation Facility, an environmental nonprofit.

Over the course of the day, the roughly 6-foot whale repeatedly tried to strand itself, signifying serious illness. Researchers attempted to assist, but the creature eventually succumbed to its injuries.

Afterwards, a necropsy was conducted, shedding some light on the whale’s poor health.

The procedure revealed the animal’s stomach contained a torn plastic bag — which measured about 11 inches across — and a parasitic infestation of nematodes. These “may have contributed to digestive blockage,” the release said.

“This rare and tragic event highlights the devastating impacts of ocean plastics on Utila’s marine life,” the release said, noting that the whale was “the first confirmed record of this species on Utila and one of very few in Honduras.”

Pygmy sperm whales are found in warm and tropical waters around the world, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Weighing up to 1,000 pounds, they’re distinguished by their flat heads, compact bodies and curved dorsal fins.

“Little is known about (the) species because of limited information, and they are considered rare,” according to NOAA.

Like other ocean animals, they face threats from marine debris as ingestion of plastic and other kinds of garbage can clog their guts.

Utila is located about 20 miles from mainland Honduras.