Mass Whale Stranding in Australia: 90 False Killer Whales to Be Euthanized
Tragic Mass Whale Stranding in Tasmania
Australian authorities are preparing to euthanize 90 false killer whales after a mass stranding in Tasmania. The 157-strong pod beached near Arthur River in the island’s northwest, but most died shortly after stranding.
False killer whales, a large dolphin species, can grow up to 6 meters (19 feet) and weigh 1.5 tonnes. This is the first false killer whale stranding in Tasmania in over 50 years.
Why Are the Surviving Whales Being Euthanized?
Marine experts struggled to rescue the stranded whales due to:
- Extreme stress after 24-48 hours stranded
- Difficult access—the site is only reachable by steep, rough roads
- Rough sea conditions, making refloating attempts impossible
Rescue teams attempted to relocate and refloat two whales, but they kept returning to shore.
“The animals just can’t get past the break to get out,” said Shelley Graham from Tasmania’s Parks and Wildlife Service.
A Difficult but Necessary Decision
With conditions unchanged for days, wildlife veterinarians had to make the tough decision to euthanize the remaining survivors.
“The longer these animals are stranded, the more they suffer,” said marine biologist Kris Carlyon.
Euthanasia—a last resort—will involve shooting the animals, a method used in large-scale whale strandings.
What Happens Next?
Authorities are still deciding how to handle the carcasses, as the site holds Aboriginal cultural significance. One option is to let nature take its course.
Why Do Whales Strand in Large Numbers?
More than 80% of Australian whale strandings occur in Tasmania, often on its rugged west coast.
Theories for mass whale strandings include:
- Following prey too close to shore
- Disorientation due to illness or environmental factors
- A single leader mistakenly guiding the pod to shallow waters
Previous Whale Strandings in Australia
- 2020 – 470 pilot whales stranded at Macquarie Harbour; 350 died despite rescue efforts
- 2022 – Another 200 pilot whales stranded in the same location
Whales are highly social mammals that rely on close communication, which can lead to group strandings when one whale makes a mistake.
Public Urged to Stay Away
Authorities have warned the public to avoid the site, as nearby bushfires and limited road access pose safety risks.
As Tasmania continues to experience frequent mass strandings, experts are urging for more research into preventing these tragic events.
For more wildlife updates, visit Australian Marine Life.
