Attempt to refloat false killer whales was unsuccessful, forcing wildlife authorities to make difficult decision for safety and ‘welfare reasons’Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updatesGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastTasmanian authorities plan to euthanise 90 surviving false killer whales in a group of 157 animals that have stranded on a beach near Arthur River, on the state’s remote north-west coast.Marine conservation experts including wildlife veterinarians arrived at the site on Wednesday morning, confirming 90 animals were still alive.Sign up for Guardian Australia’s breaking news email Continue reading...
More than 150 false killer whales have stranded on a beach near Arthur River in remote north-western Tasmania, with 90 still alive. Authorities attempted to refloat two whales but were unsuccessful. Due to the remote location, challenging ocean conditions, and the animals' welfare, it was decided to euthanize the 90 whales. This is the first large stranding of false killer whales in around 50 years. The whales have been stranded for 24-48 hours, and the cause remains unknown. No other whales were found nearby. The whales are protected, and interfering with their carcasses is illegal.
