Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Dozens of pilot whales beach on western Australian coast

Authorities in Australia say dozens of pilot whales have beached on the country's western coast and wildlife authorities are trying to save them

Via AP news wire
Thursday 25 April 2024 04:05 BST
Australia Beached Whales
Australia Beached Whales (Department of Biodiversity)

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Dozens of pilot whales beached on the western Australian coast and wildlife authorities were trying to rescue them, officials said Thursday.

Between 50 and 100 whales were stranded at Toby’s Inlet near the tourist town of Dunsborough, the Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia state said in a statement.

Staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions and Perth Zoo veterinarians were being deployed, the statement said.

Dunsborough is 285 kilometers (177 miles) by road south of Perth, the state’s capital and largest city.

Officials urged the public not to try to rescue the whales on their own.

“We know people want to help, but we asked that people please do not attempt to rescue the animals without direction of DBCA staff as this may cause further injury, and distress to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort,” the statement said.

Almost 100 long-finned pilot whales died or were euthanized after a two-day rescue attempt last July in a mass stranding on Cheynes Beach near the former whaling station of Albany, 355 kilometers (220 miles) southeast of Dunsborough.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in