( CNN ) -- A 25-foot dead whale washed ashore on New York 's Jones Beach Island on Thursday morning , a New York State Parks official said . George Gorman , director of recreational services for New York State Parks , told CNN that officials believe it 's a humpback whale . Jones Beach Island is a barrier island bordering the south of Long Island and a popular recreational spot for New Yorkers . The New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program -- a branch of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation that rescues and rehabilitates marine animals -- was called to examine the whale and remove it from the beach . Riverhead officials estimate that the animal weighs 20 to 25 tons . The group is moving the animal out of the path of the incoming tide with a tractor . An necropsy will be performed Friday and then officials will determine where to bury the remains .
25-foot dead whale washes ashore on Jones Beach Island Long Island . It 's estimated to weigh 20 to 25 tons . Experts are moving the whale up the beach Friday ; will perform an necropsy Thursday .