Following a mass stranding on an Australian beach, marine biologists raced on Thursday to save over 100 pilot whales, as officials feared many would have to be put down.
Sixty-six of the pilot whales that washed up on the beach had already perished, according to Parks and Wildlife Service.
Around three hours’ drive south of Perth, the state capital, Toby’s Inlet is home to up to 160 pilot whales, which became stranded there on Thursday morning, according to officials.
“A team of experienced staff including wildlife officers, marine scientists, veterinarians are on site or on their way,” the Parks and Wildlife Service said in a statement.
Wildlife officers will try to guide some of the pilot whales away from the beach and into deeper water.
But the service said that “these events usually result in the beached animals having to be euthanised as the most humane outcome”.
“We always hope for the best outcome,” the wildlife service added.
In Australia and New Zealand, large-scale pilot whale strandings are not unusual.
In 2022, a group of 500 pilot whales perished when they washed up on the isolated Chatham Islands of New Zealand.
Although the exact cause of mass strandings is unknown, some scientists believe pods veer off course after feeding too near to the coast.
Because they are very gregarious and can reach lengths of over six meters (20 feet), pilot whales have been known to follow pod members who venture into dangerous areas.
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