Officials euthanize whale that stranded off Keys

Officials at a rehabilitation center have euthanized one of five surviving pilot whales that stranded last week off the lower Florida Keys.

The Marine Mammal Conservancy in Key Largo said the young-adult male whale had difficulty breathing, was not responding to treatment and was suffering.

A necropsy is planned.One other whale remains in critical condition. The other three are in stable but guarded condition.The center says it needs additional volunteers for the round-the-clock effort to help the animals. Rehabilitation efforts are expected to last at least two months.