Second-largest animal on Earth: massive fin whale washes ashore in California

A dramatic scene unfolded on a California beach Thursday morning after a massive fin whale washed ashore in Santa Cruz, triggering an emergency response involving multiple agencies and marine wildlife specialists. The stranded animal drew large crowds of onlookers as authorities rushed to assess its condition and determine how to handle the unusual incident. The whale came ashore at Cowell Beach, where city officials confirmed that emergency personnel, marine safety teams and other agencies had responded to the scene.