Australia: Nearly 200 stranded whales die

Of the approximately 230 whales trapped in the Australian state of Tasmania, only 35 survived. Helpers continue to try to care for marine mammals. But one researcher says the chances of survival are slim.

So far only 35 of the pilot whales trapped in Australia have survived. Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Services manager Brendan Clark said. About 230 animals were stranded on Wednesday off the west coast of the Australian state of Tasmania.

The violent surf had an effect on the animals. Rescue operations with heavy equipment and boats must continue today. Clark said the main focus now is on rescuing and releasing the remaining animals. Live whales have to be carried several hundred meters into the sea.

dangerous channel

It is the duty of helpers to wet the bodies of marine mammals with a bucket of water and a wet towel. Broadcaster ABC spoke of a “race against time”. Five more animals died that night alone, Clark said.

The whales were trapped in Macquarie Harbour, which has very shallow waters. The canal is considered dangerous. In 2020, 470 pilot whales were trapped in this port. At that time only 111 animals could be saved.

Whale researchers: low chances of survival

“Unfortunately, the pilot whale’s chances of survival are slim,” said whale researcher Olaf Menecke of Griffith University in Queensland. Even if live whales are taken to the open ocean, many may try to return to their stranded friends and family members.

According to Meneke, pilot whales, also known as pilot whales, form very close bonds with each other. That’s why stress is great for animals. “Some animals will make it, but most of them will die.”

Last 14 Sperm Whales Stranded

On Monday, 14 male sperm whales died on the remote King Island beach. The island is also part of Tasmania. Researchers are now looking for the reason. State Conservation Agency biologist Chris Carlion told the local newspaper Mercury that the animals may have been saved from low tide while searching for food near the coast.