The beluga whale was first sighted in the Seine last Tuesday and swam into the lock on Friday. The standing water there is too warm for the already ailing animal. The species normally lives in arctic waters off the coasts of Russia, Alaska and Canada.
Essemlali said the conditions in the lock were "not optimal" for the whale. However, authorities and experts have doubts about its ability to return to the sea on its own.
The beluga whale continues to refuse food. His lack of appetite could be a sign of illness, Essemlali explained. "He's malnourished and has been for several weeks or even months. He hasn't eaten in the sea." The whale apparently still has strength, reacts to stimuli and is curious. But the authorities and experts have only "little hope" for his survival.
According to experts, it is only the second time that a beluga whale has lost its way to France. The first time a fisherman caught a whale in his nets was in 1948 in the Loire estuary.
