Dead washed up whale on Fingal Beach buried

A dead juvenile humpback whale that washed up on a northern NSW beach has been taken to its final resting place, with the community saddened over the loss of the “magnificent” creature.

A dead juvenile whale that washed up on a Tweed beach has been buried.

Residents took to social media on Thursday morning after the “magnificent” humpback was found on Fingal Head Beach, saying the find was “heartbreaking”.

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service safely buried the whale on a remote section of Tweed Byron Local Aboriginal Council Land on Letitia Spit.

A whale has washed up dead on Fingal Head Beach in the Tweed on August 8, 2024. Picture: David Jaeger

Tweed Council rangers and staff attended the site and told the Byron Shire News they were “saddened” to hear about the whale.

Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers uploaded a video on Facebook of the whale when it first washed up on the beach.

“The community was able to gather in its presence and admire this magnificent being before it was relocated to its final resting place,” they wrote.

A whale has washed up dead on Fingal Head Beach in the Tweed on August 8, 2024. Picture: David Jaeger

A local resident posted photos of the whale online, expressing sadness over the grim find.

“Sad sight on our beach this morning,” she said.

“Heartbreaking,” another woman wrote.

If you encounter a sick, distressed or deceased marine animal, you can call NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service on 1300 072 757.