NOS News•today, 08:01
Up to 160 pilot whales have washed up on the south-west coast of Australia. At least 26 animals were dead before local authorities could begin a rescue attempt.
The dolphins washed up at Toby Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough. A team of conservationists and veterinarians is working there to help the animals. Australia’s Department of Biodiversity and Conservation of the West said the stranded animals came from four groups spread over 500 meters of coastline.
In addition, there are approximately 130 pilot whales a short distance from the coast. “Our team is assessing the condition of the whales that have been stranded. Our on-water teams are working to keep the animals together and away from the beach,” the department said in a statement.
Dozens of pilot whales washed up on Australia’s west coast
It often happens that dolphins or whales wash up on the west coast of Australia. Last July, almost 100 pilot whales died after a two-day rescue attempt at Cheynes Beach, about 220 miles southeast of Dunsborough.
Euthanizing the stranded animals is usually seen as the most humane solution, the department says. “We always hope for the best result.”
Local conservationist Pia Courtis says the pilot whales were stranded early this morning. A group of another 110 pilot whales is also likely to come to the beach, Courtis reported. “Unfortunately, the outcome for pilot whales once they get to the beach is generally not good. We have large numbers of animals that end up dying,” she said in a video statement reported by the AP news agency.
Don’t save
The department insists not to save the whales on our own. “We know people want to help, but we have asked them to please not attempt to rescue the animals without direction from department staff as this could cause further harm and discomfort to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort.”
Pilot whales are known for their close social bonds, so when one of them gets into trouble and becomes stranded, the rest often follow, reports the University of Western Australia.
