Chapter 698: Grateful Farewell

Fang Ye and the veterinary team conducted a brief examination of the five surviving melon-headed whales.

Three of them were in relatively good condition, with the Observation Eye indicating they were weak but stable.

Xiao Yu had contacted them immediately upon discovering the stranded whales, using the correct rescue methods.

Villagers also rushed to help, providing shade and pouring water, significantly alleviating their negative conditions.

The remaining two whales were extremely weak, with some skin abrasions likely caused by struggling to return to the sea and getting injured by rocks and shells. One of them barely responded even after Fang Ye poured some magical water on it, looking like it was on the verge of death.

[Health Status: Severe Dehydration, Organ Failure, Low Fever!]

This whale was likely stranded in a less favorable position, with less water in the mud pit, leading to severe dehydration after being exposed to the sun.

The fire department captain, seeing Fang Ye and the veterinary team finish their discussion, quickly approached and asked, "Director Fang, what should we do now?"

Fang Ye replied, "These three whales are in relatively good condition. We'll send them back to the sea directly. For them, seawater is the best medicine. They can gradually recover once back in the ocean. The remaining two will be taken back to the zoo for treatment."

"Alright! How should we send them back to the sea? Should we push them or carry them?"

"We'll carry them. Pushing them might cause injuries. We have brought stretchers."

The veterinary team ran back to the vehicle and brought the stretchers!

However, the usual animal stretchers were inadequate for cetaceans, so they quickly cut two holes in them to allow the whales' pectoral fins to extend through.

"Be careful, be careful!"

"Move gently, don't injure the fins!"

Meng Shi and a group of strong men carefully lifted the melon-headed whales from the mud pit. Fang Ye, standing by, used his calming skill and gently said, "It's okay, don't be afraid. You'll be back in the sea soon!"

As a result, the melon-headed whales remained calm and didn't struggle too much when lifted!

They were gently placed on the stretchers and slowly carried towards the distant beach.

Once they reached a spot where the water could cover their chests, the whales were released back into the sea!

The melon-headed whales, like travelers finding an oasis after walking in a desert, were visibly excited, gently flapping their tails!

As soon as they were released from the stretchers, they dived into the water and swam away, showing much more vitality compared to their near-death state on the shore!

The other two were also released back into the sea in the same manner.

However, after the three melon-headed whales disappeared into the water, they reappeared near the shore, swimming back towards the beach.

They poked their heads out of the water, looking reluctant to leave.

The villagers watched in amazement and began to discuss, "Why aren't they leaving? Are they thanking us?"

"Indeed, they seem very intelligent! They know we saved them!"

They took out their phones and started taking pictures.

Xiao Yu, about to express his admiration, remembered what Fang Ye had said earlier and asked, "Director Fang, why aren't they leaving? Are they really thanking us?"

Fang Ye frowned, his expression serious, "This situation is called 'stranding,' and it's not a good sign!

Many cetaceans are social animals, like melon-headed whales. They have strong group bonds. They might be returning to the beach to look for their companions, wanting to stay together.

Another possibility is that they are unfamiliar with this beach and are using echolocation to explore the unfamiliar environment.

If they stay near the shore for too long, they might get stranded again. Plus, there are many rocks underwater here, which could injure them."

Hearing this, the fire department captain became anxious and asked, "What should we do then?"

Xiao Yu suggested, "Since they miss their companions, why not take them all back to the zoo and release them after they recover?"

Fang Ye and Lin Ying both said, "No!"

Lin Ying explained, "Our zoo only has the penguin exhibit available for temporary housing, but it's limited in space and can't accommodate all five. At most, we can take in two or three."

The fisheries department leader added, "Maybe we can contact a nearby aquaculture company and coordinate with them to temporarily house the whales. But an aquaculture company won't have professional veterinarians like your zoo, and they might not survive. Alternatively, we could transport them to a farther location by boat and release them there."

Fang Ye thought for a moment, "I'll try to communicate with them and see if I can persuade them to leave! That would be the easiest solution!"

The leader was puzzled: "Director Fang, are you joking?"

It seemed unprofessional to suddenly propose something so unconventional.

The fire department captain, however, seemed thoughtful: "I've heard that Director Fang is nicknamed the Great Druid and has a great rapport with animals?"

His daughter, who was in middle school, loved visiting the zoo and had told him stories about Fang Ye petting lions and tigers.

Surprisingly, as Fang Ye walked into the deeper water, the melon-headed whales swam towards him.

They surrounded him, opening and closing their mouths as if saying something!

Fang Ye listened intently, patting the whales' bodies and nodding gently.

The fire department captain exclaimed, "Director Fang is indeed the Great Druid."

Xiao Yu was stunned, "Whoa, how is this possible?"

The zoo employees, however, remained calm, as if it was routine!

Lin Ying smiled, "Some people have a natural affinity with animals. Cats, dogs, and other animals like to be close to them and allow themselves to be petted. The director has an exceptionally strong animal affinity!"

"Alright then!" The leader reluctantly believed this explanation.

He had no choice but to accept it, given the evidence before him.

The melon-headed whales were filled with [Fear/Anxiety]!

Fang Ye used his calming skill while softly saying, "Your companions are in poor condition. We'll take them back for treatment and release them once they're better. You should head back to the sea now, or you might get stranded again!"

He pointed towards the distance and gently pushed them!

He pointed to the shore and sternly waved his hand.

The [Heart of Nature] effect made the animals less wary and more likely to follow instructions.

Although he didn't have a skill to directly communicate with animals, under the effect of the Heart of Nature, the whales seemed to understand Fang Ye's gestures and tone, lifting their heads and looking at him with their small eyes as if comprehending something!

Cetaceans are inherently intelligent animals.

They swam around him a few times, with one even rubbing its head against Fang Ye's cheek, genuinely expressing gratitude.

Then, they wagged their tails and swam away into the distance.

Fang Ye smiled with satisfaction and waved, "Goodbye!"