Hong Kong authorities are investigating the discovery of a severely decomposed whale carcass discovered on a beach in Sai Kung.
Authorities were alerted to the decomposed carcass, measuring 11 metres (36.1 feet) in length, on Thursday after villagers found it on the beach at Ham Tin Wan, in Sai Kung East Country Park.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) deployed officers to the scene, with preliminary findings suggesting that the animal was a baleen whale.
Based on the degree of decomposition, the carcass was believed to have been dead for some time before drifting from the open seas into the waters off Ham Tin Wan, it added.
The department said a necropsy could not be conducted due to its advanced decomposition, adding that its staff were working to dispose of the carcass and clean up the area by Friday.
It also reminded the public to stay away from the area to avoid obstructing the process.