A juvenile whale shark that washed up dead on the beach at Double Island is believed to be the same animal recently rescued from shallow waters off Noosa National Park.
Linda Keam, who shared photos of the beached whale shark to the Noosa Community Board, said it was very sad to see it on the beach.
“We can only assume this juvenile is the same one who captured all our hearts only weeks ago when so many local crews helped and came together to see him/her back out into deeper water,“ she wrote.
“It really would have been a miracle for this wee one to have survived but sadly the outcome has not been what we had all wanted.“
The Australia Zoo Rescue Team, veterinarians and veterinary nurses previously responded to reports of the stranded whale shark at Noosa and spent most of the day ensuring the whale shark was okay.
Dr Jaimee from the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital believed the young shark may have entered shallow waters to avoid predators, where it became disoriented and stressed.
It is believed the whale shark is the same one rescued at Noosa based on its patterns.
The Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service and Department of Environment and Science are handling the recovery and disposal of the animal from Rainbow Beach side of Double Island Point.
