After rescue attempts failed, 90 fake killer whales who were left stranded on a secluded beach in Tasmania are being put down by Australian authorities. The majority of the 157 whales in the pod died shortly after they beached close to Arthur River.
Experts concluded that the remaining whales could not survive due to severe stress and unfavorable circumstances. Wildlife veterinarians announced the decision on Wednesday, calling it brutal and confronting.
They explained that stranded whales suffer significantly over time, and euthanasia was the only humane option. The process, which involves shooting the animals, will continue into Thursday. Experts struggled with the challenging location, which lies 300 km from Launceston.
Marine biologist Kris Carlyon described the access road as rough, steep, and single-lane, limiting the transportation of rescue equipment. Rescuers initially attempted to move two whales back into the ocean but failed.
Conditions similar to Tasmania’s false killer whale stranding were expected for days, so authorities avoided further rescue attempts. Tasmania experiences over 80% of Australia’s whale strandings, especially along its west coast. The last false killer whale mass stranding occurred over 50 years ago.
In 2020, Macquarie Harbour saw 470 stranded pilot whales, 350 of which died despite rescue efforts. Scientists propose multiple theories for such situations; some believe the whales follow prey into the shallow waters, and others suggest one disoriented whale can lead an entire pod ashore.
Authorities will determine how to handle the carcasses, considering the area’s Aboriginal cultural significance. Officials have requested the public to avoid the location due to ongoing bushfires and limited access. Incidents like Tasmania’s false killer whale stranding continue to raise concerns.
