Experts are rushing to save about 140 beluga whales that became stranded in the shallow waters of an estuary in the southern Australian state of Western Australia on Thursday.
The whales were stranded in Toby Cove in Geograph Bay, Western Australia’s Department of Biodiversity, Nature and Tourism said. The area is located near the town of Downsborough in the south-west region popular with tourists and about 236 kilometers south of Perth, the capital of the Australian state.
“So far we know that there are four groups of a total of 160 white-throated whales spread over about 500 meters. “Unfortunately, 26 whales stranded on the beach died,” said a department spokesman.
“A team of experienced staff, including wildlife officers, marine scientists, veterinarians, is on site or arriving soon.”
Based on previous strandings, “these events usually result in the euthanasia of stranded animals, which is the most humane outcome,” the spokesperson said.
In July last year, more than 50 beluga whales died after stranding on a remote beach in Western Australia.
Bald whales are known for their strong social bonds, so when one gets into trouble and runs aground, the others often follow, according to the University of Western Australia.
