Marine biologists and wildlife officials are racing against time to save dozens of pilot whales that have become stranded in shallow waters on a Western Australian coast. As many as 160 whales are trapped at Toby’s Inlet in Geographe Bay, about a three-hour drive south of Perth. Pilot whales are known for their tight-knit social bonds, and when one gets into difficulty and strands, the rest often follow. Unfortunately, 26 whales that stranded on the beach have already died. A team of experienced wildlife officers, marine scientists, and veterinarians are on site or on their way to try to guide the whales back to deep waters. However, officials are worried that many of the creatures may have to be euthanized due to the severity of their condition. Mass strandings of pilot whales are not uncommon, and scientists do not fully understand why they occur. In 2022, around 500 pilot whales died after beaching on New Zealand’s remote Chatham Islands. The public is urged not to try to rescue the whales on their own, as this could further distress the animals.
Dozens of Pilot Whales Stranded on Western Australian Coast, Euthanasia Feared
