This footage was filmed and produced 12 March 2024.

A heartbreaking scene unfolded in Venice, FL as biologists from Mote Marine Lab worked to examine the remains of a 44-foot sperm whale that tragically beached itself and passed away on Sunday.

Gretchen Lovewell, a biologist at Mote who specializes in stranded animals, expressed shock at the male whale's emaciated condition. Sperm whales typically reside deep in the Gulf, making this sighting even more unusual.

The team of scientists is gearing up to conduct a necropsy on the whale to determine the cause of death. This process will involve taking measurements, conducting toxicology tests, and performing a systemic dissection. The results of these tests may not be available for several weeks, but Lovewell and her team are prepared to work diligently on the investigation.

As they continue their work, Lovewell is urging the public to avoid swimming near the whale's location due to the risk of attracting sharks with the creature's bodily fluids.

Despite their efforts, Lovewell expressed deep regret that rescue teams were unable to reach the whale on Sunday in time to potentially save it.