Australia has begun euthanising dozens of endangered false killer whales that became stranded on a remote beach in Tasmania due to bad weather and logistical challenges. The stranding, which occurred near Arthur River, resulted in the deaths of 27 animals, with 38 still alive. The process is expected to finish later Thursday.
The stranding response was hindered by the inaccessibility of the site, ocean conditions, and difficulties in getting specialist equipment to the remote area. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service officials had warned that attempts to refloat the whales would be “very challenging and dangerous” for their staff.
False killer whales can grow up to 20 feet long and weigh up to 3,000 pounds, but are typically found in deep offshore waters. The incident highlights the complexities of responding to marine animal stranding incidents in isolated areas with harsh weather conditions.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/australia-begins-euthanising-false-killer-whales-after-mass-stranding-2025-02-20