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Benny the Beluga whale healthy after nearly two months in River Thames

The beluga whale was first spotted in the Thames at the end of September: PA
The beluga whale was first spotted in the Thames at the end of September: PA

Benny the Beluga whale is still healthy nearly two months after it was first spotted in the River Thames, experts have said.

The "remarkable animal" has been swimming around barges in the river since it was first spotted in September.

Experts have been monitoring the animal and multiple sightings were reported last week, Martin Garside of the Port of London Authority told the Standard.

It is believed to be feeding well.

The whale has attracted sightseers and been monitored throughout its stint in the river (PA)
The whale has attracted sightseers and been monitored throughout its stint in the river (PA)

Initially there were fears the whale may struggle in its new habitat, near Gravesend in Kent, though that does not seem to have been the case.

“As far as we can tell, it’s healthy,” said Mr Garside. “There’s no plan to move the animal while it remains healthy.

“Moving it would present moral issues. We don’t have any plans nor any wish to.

“Generally speaking it doesn’t get in the way of anything, nor vice versa.”

The Beluga often swims around barges in the area of the river near Gravesend (Reuters)
The Beluga often swims around barges in the area of the river near Gravesend (Reuters)

However, he reiterated the continuing stance that it would be in its best interest for it to move back to the location it came from.

Although the animals can live in rivers, they are generally found in colder water.

Mr Garside said they are also wary that there is sewage and plastic in the Thames, which could pose some risk to the animal.

The extent to which experts can determine its health is also limited due to its swimming patterns and the fact it only surfaces very briefly.

Crowds with binoculars gathered to try and catch a glimpse, though the number visiting has reduced (AFP/Getty Images)
Crowds with binoculars gathered to try and catch a glimpse, though the number visiting has reduced (AFP/Getty Images)

“This whale remains in the wrong place,” Mr Garside said. “We do want it to swim home. That’s absolutely what we want.

“But this is an intelligent animal.

“A remarkable animal, what a survivor.”

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue, which had been actively assessing the animal after its whereabouts was made known, has stopped monitoring it as actively as it once was.

Teri Charlton, charity administrator for the organisation, said it has not had direct reports but continues to liaise with the Port of London Authority.

She said it appears less people are now visiting the whale, which has led to the lower rate of reports.

The first photo of the animal appeared on September 25, taken by ecologist Dave Matthews, prompting swathes of those keen to see it race to the scene.

The whale, affectionately nicknamed Benny, has been estimated to be around 3.5metres, or 11 feet, in length.

Belugas are related to the narwhal, the tusked ‘unicorn’ whale, and are also sometimes known as white whales due to their distinctive colour.

Often they are found in arctic areas such as Greenland, meaning the animal in the Thames could be more than 1,000 miles from its usual habitat.