10-Foot Whale Stranded on Orchard Beach in the Bronx Put Down: Officials

Marine biologists euthanized a 10-foot whale that stranded itself on the Bronx's only beach. 

The whale, believed to be a young minke, according to marine research group Gotham Whale, was discovered on Orchard Beach just before noon on Sunday, the NYPD said. 

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The Riverhead Marine Foundation, which responds to injured marine animals, was called to the scene to evaluate the mammal, police said. 

It was put down later Sunday, despite efforts by EMS, first responders and good Samaritans to try to push it back into the water. 

"We consulted with other organizations and our partners and assessed that the most humane course of action would be to euthanize the animal," Rob Digiovanni, of the Atlantic Marine Conservation Society, said.

Police tweeted a photo of the crowd that had gathered. 

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An autopsy will be performed to determine if the whale had gotten sick. 

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