Ashore on an Australian beach, more than a hundred pilot whales are expected to be put down

Sydney: Following a major stranding on an Australian beach, marine scientists rushed on Thursday to rescue over 100 pilot whales, as authorities feared many would have to be put down.
Sixty-six of the pilot whales that washed up on the shore had already perished, according to the 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 were stranded there on Thursday morning, according to authorities.

The Parks and Wildlife Service released a statement saying, “A team of experienced staff, including wildlife officers, marine scientists, and veterinarians, are on site or on their way.”

A few of the pilot whales will be guided into deeper water and away from the shore by wildlife authorities.

However, the organization said that “the most humane outcome in these situations is usually having to euthanize the beached animals.”

The Wildlife Service said, “We always hope for the best outcome.”

In Australia and New Zealand, large-scale pilot whale strandings are not unusual.

In 2022, a group of 500 pilot whales perished after they washed up on the isolated Chatham Islands of New Zealand.

Although the exact cause of large strandings is unknown, some scientists believe pods veer off course after eating too close to the coast.

Because they are quite gregarious and may reach lengths of over six meters (20 feet), pilot whales have been known to follow pod members who go into dangerous areas.