More than 150 false killer whales are stranded on a remote beach on Australia’s island state of Tasmania
More than 150 false killer whales stranded on a remote beach near Arthur River in Tasmania. Ninety whales were still alive, but refloating efforts were hindered by rough ocean conditions. This is the first large mass stranding of false killer whales in around 50 years in Tasmania. Officials estimate the whales have been stranded for 24 to 48 hours. Despite their name, false killer whales are highly sociable dolphins. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service is prioritizing rescue efforts for those with the best chance of survival. The cause of the stranding remains unknown. Unlike previous mass strandings of pilot whales in 2020 and 2022, the remote location of Arthur River made it difficult to move necessary equipment. The carcasses of dead whales are left undisturbed as they are protected species.
