A pregnant pygmy sperm whale was rescued after it was washed ashore along a beach in Taiwan.

The marine creature, along with a juvenile whale believed to be its offspring, was found in the Yong'an fishing port along the coast of Taoyuan City on October 22.

Taiwan Cetacean Society rescue members tried to save both whales, but the younger, unfortunately, died at the scene.

Its mum appeared weakened and thin, with several abrasions across its skin.

Footage shows the whale weakly raising its tail while lying on the sand before it was taken to an animal centre in the Badouzi port for treatment.

Following the rescue, the Taiwan Cetacean Society said the mother whale measured 250 cm in length and weighed 400 kilograms. It added that it had an 'abnormal breathing rate' but did not appear to be seriously injured.