Rescuers took quick action when a one-week old humpback whale was beached on the sand in Queensland, Australia a few years ago. Authorities set-up a tent to protect it from the sun. Workers from rescue groups poured water on the baby whale to keep it cool. And a backhoe dug a small trench. Helpers kept the whale in the little pool of water until the tide rose and they could safely transfer it back into the ocean.
A video of the event was shared on social media accounts by animal advocates. It’s one of many feel-good videos that show people coming together to help a marine animal in distress. But should these videos be used as guides to help marine animals in distress?