Juvenile Humpback Whale Washes Ashore in Newport Beach

Researchers hope to gather valuable samples from the carcass to determine cause of death

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The carcass of a juvenile humpback whale was discovered on the Balboa Peninsula in Newport Beach, California. Biologists from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center are working to collect samples from the whale's body to analyze its DNA and determine the cause of death, which could provide valuable insights for researchers.

Why it matters

Whale strandings are relatively rare events, and the discovery of this juvenile humpback whale presents a unique opportunity for researchers to study the animal and potentially uncover clues about its health and the circumstances surrounding its death. This information could aid in conservation efforts and help scientists better understand the threats facing humpback whales.

The details

The approximately 27-foot-long whale, weighing between 20,000 and 25,000 pounds, was first spotted on the shore near 11th Street in Newport Beach on Wednesday afternoon. Researchers from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center were able to collect skin and eye fluid samples, but were unable to conduct a more thorough examination due to inclement weather. Preliminary tests suggest the whale died within the past two to three days, and based on its size, it was a juvenile. Researchers did not immediately find signs of a collision, entanglement, or poisoning, but they are still investigating the cause of death.

  • The whale carcass was first spotted on Wednesday, February 19, 2026 at around 1:45 p.m.
  • Researchers from the Pacific Marine Mammal Center collected samples from the whale on Thursday, February 20, 2026.

The players

Pacific Marine Mammal Center

A nonprofit organization that focuses on the conservation and rehabilitation of marine mammals, including whales.

Alissa Deming

The vice president of conservation medicine and science at the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.

Georgia Rios

A spokeswoman for the city of Newport Beach.

Rory Finlayson

A visitor from the U.K. who was whale watching off a pier near the stranded humpback whale.

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What they’re saying

“With the weather both yesterday and through the day today, the waves and the rain made it a little unsafe to get close to it.”

— Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science, Pacific Marine Mammal Center (latimes.com)

“This kiddo still had some growth to do. That's always a little bit concerning when you see a younger animal passing away … we can't rule out the possibility of an infectious disease.”

— Alissa Deming, Vice President of Conservation Medicine and Science, Pacific Marine Mammal Center (latimes.com)

“We were out here to see live animals, then we heard about this. Shame, really. But that's life isn't it? It's a cycle.”

— Rory Finlayson (latimes.com)

What’s next

Researchers plan to remove the whale's carcass and tow it out to open water on Friday, February 21, 2026, to continue their investigation into the cause of death.

The takeaway

The discovery of this juvenile humpback whale presents a valuable opportunity for researchers to gather important data and insights that could aid in conservation efforts and a better understanding of the threats facing these marine mammals. Despite the unfortunate circumstances, the researchers are working diligently to make the most of this rare event.