90 false killer Whales euthanized after Tasmania mass stranding
Wildlife officers in Tasmania have made the heartbreaking decision to euthanize 90 false killer whales after rough ocean conditions prevented efforts to refloat them. The mass stranding occurred on a remote beach near the Arthur River on the island’s west coast, leaving officials with limited options to save the animals.
More than 150 false killer whales were discovered stranded late Tuesday, according to Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment. By the following morning, only 90 remained alive. Rescuers attempted to guide two whales back into the ocean, but strong winds and rough seas forced them to return to shore.
“It’s quite rough, and the animals just can’t get past the break to get out. They just keep turning around and coming back towards the beach,” said Shelley Graham, incident controller with the Tasmania Parks & Wildlife Service.
Given the deteriorating conditions and the whales’ distress, authorities determined that humane euthanasia was the only viable course of action. The decision was made in consultation with marine experts and veterinarians to prevent further suffering.
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Mass strandings are not uncommon in Tasmania, which is a global hotspot for such events. Scientists continue to study the reasons behind these occurrences, with theories ranging from navigational errors to environmental factors like shifting ocean currents.
The tragedy underscores the challenges faced by conservationists in responding to large-scale marine mammal strandings. Authorities and researchers will now focus on assessing the situation and gathering data to better understand and mitigate future incidents.
