Nearly 100 pilot whales strand in Western Australia, all eventually euthanized after failed rescue efforts

Nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia.
Despite rescue efforts by officials and volunteers, more than 50 whales died on the beach within the first day.
The remaining 45 whales were refloated but stranded again, leading to the difficult decision to euthanize them.
The exact causes of mass strandings remain unclear, but experts believe stress, illness or social bonding may play a role.
Samples from the whale carcasses will be analyzed to learn more about pilot whale behavior and genetics.