A decades-old story involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a severed whale head has resurfaced, prompting an environmental group to call for a federal investigation. The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund is urging the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to examine whether Kennedy violated key wildlife protection laws.
According to a 2012 Town & Country interview with Kennedy’s daughter, Kick Kennedy, the incident occurred when Kennedy was in his 40s, approximately 30 years ago. Upon hearing about a beached whale on Squaw Island in Hyannis Port, Massachusetts, Kennedy allegedly:
- Drove to the beach with a chainsaw
- Cut off the whale’s head
- Secured it to the roof of the family minivan
- Transported it on a five-hour journey back to Mount Kisco, New York
Kick Kennedy described the journey as a malodorous experience, with “whale juice” pouring into the vehicle windows during acceleration. She noted that the family resorted to wearing plastic bags with mouth holes over their heads due to the overwhelming stench.
Call for Investigation
The Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund, in a letter to NOAA directors, is requesting an investigation into Kennedy’s actions. Brett Hartl, the organization’s national political director, argues that Kennedy may have violated:
- The Marine Mammal Protection Act
- The Endangered Species Act
The group is calling for Kennedy to surrender any illegally obtained wildlife still in his possession, including the whale skull allegedly taken in 1994. They are also urging NOAA to consider appropriate civil and criminal penalties.
Environmental experts point out several potential legal issues with Kennedy’s alleged actions:
- Unauthorized removal of marine mammal parts
- Transporting wildlife across state lines without proper permits
- Possible disturbance of an endangered species
Kennedy’s Recent Political Moves
This controversy emerges at a time when Kennedy’s political profile is rising. He recently:
- Suspended his independent presidential campaign
- Endorsed Republican Donald Trump
- Joined Trump’s presidential transition team
Previous Wildlife Controversy
The whale incident is not the first time Kennedy has faced scrutiny over his interactions with wildlife. Earlier this month, he admitted to placing a dead bear cub in New York’s Central Park in 2014 as a prank.
As of now, neither Kennedy’s campaign nor NOAA has responded to requests for comment on the potential investigation. The environmental community and political observers are closely watching how this situation unfolds, given Kennedy’s background as an environmental lawyer and his current political aspirations.This incident raises questions about the intersection of conservation ethics, legal compliance, and political ambitions, potentially impacting Kennedy’s public image and future political endeavors.
