People hold a makeshift funeral for a humpback whale that died on a beach in Canada. It died at low tide in White Rock, British Columbia, a few hours after beaching itself. It was found to be tangled in a fishing net and authorities are now trying to track down the owner of the net. After the whale died, local people held a makeshift funeral – gathering to pay their respects and laying flowers.  Photograph: Canadian Press/Rex Features

His big whaley spirit is free now

People hold a makeshift funeral for a humpback whale that died on a beach in Canada. It died at low tide in White Rock, British Columbia, a few hours after beaching itself. It was found to be tangled in a fishing net and authorities are now trying to track down the owner of the net. After the whale died, local people held a makeshift funeral – gathering to pay their respects and laying flowers.  Photograph: Canadian Press/Rex Features

His big whaley spirit is free now