About 200 pilot whales have died on a beach on Tasmania’s west coast. Only 35 of the approximately 230 whales spotted on the Australian island on Wednesday are still alive, Brendon Clark, the local animal welfare chief, said Thursday. The main focus now is on rescuing and releasing these animals.
The massive stranding of whales near Macquarie Harbor on Wednesday had animal rights activists on their guard. Aerial footage showed dozens of black marine mammals lounging along the beach at the waterline.
Unfortunately, the death rate is high, Clark said. The surf on the unprotected beach puts a heavy burden on the animals. Local residents covered the still living pilot whales with blankets for protection and doused them with seawater. Some animals tried in vain to free themselves from their plight.
Mass strandings again and again
In 2020, 470 whales stranded off the coast of Tasmania. More than 300 pilot whales then died – despite the efforts of dozens of volunteers to save the animals. The reason for these mass strandings is still unclear.
Source: Krone
I’m Wayne Wickman, a professional journalist and author for Today Times Live. My specialty is covering global news and current events, offering readers a unique perspective on the world’s most pressing issues. I’m passionate about storytelling and helping people stay informed on the goings-on of our planet.
