I think it's really sad too, but in the end, I think (from what I've seen and read) it was probably the right decision. There's a lot of controversy about it, but as I said to Dazza, do these people think that the people who have dedicated their lives to native animals and the environment (being the national parks and wildlife officers along with RSPCA officers) would have done it if they had any other recourse. Which is more humane? To put the animal to sleep calmly and quietly, or let the sharks slowly eat it alive (and this was only a matter of time coming if it didn't die of starvation in the mean time)?

Some say that it was illegal to euthenase the animal in Sydney harbour because Australian waters are classed as whale marine park waters (can't remember the exact right title now, but whales are protected species in all Australian waters). It's my understanding that it may even go to court, but I personally doubt it'll get that far.

It's sad, but probably better than being eaten by a shark or starving to death, but then again, I've never been eaten by a shark or starved to death, so maybe I am not qualified to say.

Abandoned whale calf was 'terminally ill'
 

Well, just don't look up exploding whale on Youtube.