Young female whale returns to California harbor day after being freed from constricting nets

Gray whale nicknamed Lily is back in Calif. harbor

DANA POINT, Calif. — A young gray whale has returned to a Southern California harbor, one day after rescuers removed 150 pounds of fishing nets and ropes from its fin and tail.

Surfers and beachgoers spotted the 35-foot, 20-ton female Thursday morning and biologists are concerned she is malnourished.

The whale, nicknamed Lily, had been lethargic and listless this week before a rescue team removed the netting Wednesday and she headed out of Dana Point Harbor for the ocean with more energy.

Wildlife biologist Joe Cordaro of the National Marine Fisheries Service says it appears Lily is fatigued and malnourished. He says crews will not become involved unless she beaches herself.

They’ll put a watch on her, keep boaters 100 feet away and helicopters above, but he says they won’t close the harbor.