Authorities in Australia have made the difficult decision to euthanise approximately 90 false killer whales that were rescued following a mass stranding on a secluded beach in Tasmania.
Experts at the scene have reported that the intricate conditions have rendered any rescue attempts unfeasible.
A pod of 157 whales has beached near Arthur River, located in the northwestern region of the island. Shortly after the stranding, the remaining individuals succumbed to their fate.
Tasmania has experienced several mass whale strandings in recent years, notably the worst incident in the country’s history in 2020. However, false killer whales have not been reported to mass strand in the region for over half a century.
False killer whales are classified as one of the largest dolphin species in the world, sharing this distinction with their orca counterparts. They can reach up to 6 meters (19 feet) in length and weigh approximately 1.5 tonnes.
On Wednesday, officials reported that the pod had been trapped at the location for 24 to 48 hours, and the remaining animals were experiencing significant stress.
Resident Jocelyn Flint told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation that she visited the site on Wednesday morning following her son’s discovery of the pod during an overnight shark fishing trip.
“Infants are…” There are simply families of them. Their eyes are wide open, fixed on me, conveying a silent plea for assistance.
“The situation is undeniably horrific.”
According to marine biologist Kris Carlyon, the site, located approximately 300 kilometres (186 miles) from Launceston, presents significant challenges in terms of accessibility and the transportation of rescue equipment.
“In my 16 years of experience in this role in Tasmania, I can confidently say this is perhaps the most challenging location I’ve encountered,” he remarked.
The site is accessed via a challenging, steep, single-lane road. Four-wheel drive vehicles can access it, but other vehicles’ options are limited.
Due to challenging conditions, the expert team faced significant obstacles in returning the stranded animals to the sea at their original location. Efforts to relocate and refloat two of the animals ultimately failed.
The animals are unable to navigate the barrier that prevents their escape. “They continuously circle back towards the beach,” stated Shelley Graham, representing Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service.
In light of the forecasted conditions for the next two days, expert wildlife veterinarians faced a challenging decision to euthanise the remaining whales.
The prolonged stranding of these animals directly correlates with their suffering. Dr. Carlyon stated, “All alternative options have been unsuccessful; euthanasia is always a last resort.”
The challenging operation, which involves culling the animals, is slated to commence on Wednesday and is anticipated to extend into Thursday.
Authorities continue to determine the appropriate method for disposing of the carcasses. A spokesperson from the department indicated that the site, significant for Aboriginal cultural heritage, might be a situation of “letting nature run its course.”
Officials are urging the public to avoid the area due to ongoing bushfires and restricted road access.
In Tasmania, over 80% of whale strandings in Australia occur, particularly along the west coast.
In 2020, approximately 470 pilot whales became stranded at Macquarie Harbour, located further south, with around 350 of them perishing despite rescue attempts. In 2022, an additional 200 individuals found themselves stranded in the same harbour.
Whales, recognised for their social nature, often strand in groups due to their tendency to travel within large, closely connected communities that depend on ongoing communication.
A variety of theories exist to explain the phenomenon of beachings. Experts suggest that the animals may experience disorientation after pursuing their prey to the shoreline.
Some contend that a single person can inadvertently guide entire groups to safety.
