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The whale, which is classified as endangered, had originally been spotted in the Severn Estuary. before being washed up at St Brides, near Newport, south Wales.

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Fin whales are the second largest animal in the world, beaten only by blue whales.

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Crowds gathered to see the body of the fin whale. Threats to it include hunting, depletion of prey, pollution and collisions with vessels.

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The whale was about 18m (60ft) long. Fin whales tend to live in groups of three to seven and can grow up to 26m (85ft) and weigh 30,000 - 80,000 kg (30 - 80 tonnes)

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Coastguards kept the carcass under surveillance and said moving it would be a huge job.