© Scott Rolph/Early Bird PhotographyA melon headed whale beached itself at Brunswick Heads.
The rare coastal whale, more akin to a large dolphin, was found about 5.30am, 5km south of Brunswick Heads and was released back into deep water by local police.
However, the marine mammal returned to shore soon after and beached itself again.
A team of carers from National Parks and Wildlife, Ballina Seabird Rescue and Orrca Inc helped Seaworld veterinarians prepare the whale for transport in a special trailer to the Gold Coast aquarium.
There the animal will undergo blood tests and treatment before being released back into the wild.
Ballina Seabird Rescue spokesman Keith Williams, alias Capt Turtle, explained that the whale's sickness was not unlike Parvovirus in dogs.
He said the whale would not end up as an amusement for Seaworld visitors.
Perhaps this 'return to sender' is a messenger with a message that just won't go away, no matter how well intentioned we are in our attempts to help it return 'home' to the sea? Sounds like negative desire and wishing it away only brings it closer. Perhaps this messenger is telling us that 'suicide is painless' when one is on autopilot, unawake and unaware. Forcing it back into the sea reminds me of something one of our Child Protective Services crew would do.... with the only question being intent.