LEWIS PR | WHALE WATCH

Let this be a lesson

2006-01-21T19:17:00.000Z

Gonzo should never have been in our river. Most reports suggest that he was unwell, and this - as is normal in these creatures - drove him to shallower waters where he could surface more easily when necessary.

But the thousands of people that lined the banks today wishing Gonzo well should be seen as a landmark event in the protection of this amazing animal.

This whale's brief visit has created two days of intense media coverage, discussion and learning about a species that continues to be threatened by issues that can easily be changed.

Let's not let this end here.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

We've lost him

2006-01-21T19:15:00.000Z

Sky News is reporting that Gonzo has died on the barge.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

No flash photography

2006-01-21T18:40:00.000Z

The thousands of (cold) people lining the banks have been warned not to use flash photography as the barge passes by so as not to distress Gonzo any more than necessary.

The barge is now in the Thames Estuary, level with Tilbury.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

Nutkins

2006-01-21T17:55:00.000Z

Well-known animal expert Terry Nutkins has branded Gonzo "an envoy from the wild".

Tagged: whale nutkins london lewis

Gonzo's health worries

2006-01-21T17:22:00.000Z

The health of the whale has become a worry. A release has not been ruled out, but officials no longer need a large, ocean-going vessel.

Described as an 'awful trade off', rescuers are going to get Gonzo as far out into deep water as possible while keeping him on the barge for as short a period as possible.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

"Not fit for transfer"

2006-01-21T17:20:00.000Z

Hopes for an easy rescue are dashed as Gonzo is labelled 'not fit for transfer' by vets on the barge.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

Anyone got a big boat?

2006-01-21T16:58:00.000Z

Rescuers have appealed to anyone who owns an ocean-going vessel with enough space for a 3-tonne whale and doesn't mind popping to Cornwall this evening to get in touch.

Yes, really.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

Light fades at Gonzo passes the Barrier

2006-01-21T16:49:00.000Z

The crowds still lining the banks must be freezing - we have now retired to LEWIS Whale Watch HQ to monitor the news feeds.

Gonzo's flotilla has now passed the Thames Barrier and into the Thames Estuary.

Sky News seems to think the whale has no name. Now is the time to email them at news@sky.com and make your voice heard - SAVE GONZO!

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

Passing the Millennium Dome

2006-01-21T16:32:00.000Z

The barge has now reached the Millennium Dome, and is almost past the Isle of Dogs and into the final stretch before it reaches more open water. It won't be long now.

Experts are unsure how Gonzo has done being out of the water for so long.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

Some promising news!

2006-01-21T15:52:00.000Z

Experts say Gonzo's condition is 'resonable' and the likelihood of his release is 'positive'.

They are looking into the logistics of getting him around to the south coast of England to release him in warmer waters.

Hang on in there G.

Tagged: whale blogging london lewis

Belfast

2006-01-21T15:39:00.000Z

Gonzo is doing well - the barge has just passed beneath London Bridge and past HMS Belfast.

There is little news about his health, however.

The beginning of a long journey

2006-01-21T14:48:00.000Z

The barge has set off east - Gonzo seems to be doing ok so far. But we've got a long way to go - the barge is now level with Chelsea Bridge.

Rescuers are pouring water on the motionless whale to keep him safe.

He's down!

2006-01-21T14:46:00.000Z

Gonzo has been lowered onto his bed on the deck of the rescue barge.

He's up!

2006-01-21T14:44:00.000Z

Gonzo is now suspended in mid-air. He's being winched into the boat. Hang on in there Gonzo!

Stand by...

2006-01-21T14:41:00.000Z

The sling has been passed underneath Gonzo. We are waiting for him to be hoisted onto the barge. The crowd holds its breath...

LEWIS Whale Watch RSS feed

2006-01-21T14:29:00.000Z

LEWIS Whale Watch now has added RSS - subscribe here.

Gonzo now alongside rescue barge

2006-01-21T14:21:00.001Z

The boats have towed Gonzo for about 20 minutes and have arrived level with the rescue barge. There is an inflatable bed waiting on the deck. Rescuers are preparing a sling to lift him from the water on to the deck of the ship.

Another comment from Sky News

2006-01-21T14:21:00.000Z

"Whales are still being hunted by Japan in Norway in their thousands."

Gonzo's on the move

2006-01-21T13:59:00.000Z

Gonzo is being moved on his inflatable pontoon by two boats alongside, towards a barge that he will be lifted on to.

The rescue effort is now fully underway. It's make or break for the brave visitor.

An expert comments on Sky News

2006-01-21T13:55:00.000Z

"It would be good to see the UK government do something about the Japanese killing thousands of whales."

Reinforcements arriving

2006-01-21T13:53:00.000Z

Bringing people together

2006-01-21T13:52:00.000Z

View from the bank II

2006-01-21T13:51:00.000Z

View from the bank

2006-01-21T13:50:00.000Z

Hitching a lift

2006-01-21T13:49:00.000Z

It has now been confirmed that Gonzo will be lifted onto a barge and transported down the river.