Overview

• A total of 157 false killer whales, a species of dolphin, were found stranded on a remote beach in northwest Tasmania, Australia.
• Rescue efforts were hindered by the site’s inaccessibility, poor weather conditions, and the logistical challenges of moving the large animals, some weighing over three tons.
• Despite initial survival of 136 animals, the number of survivors dropped to 90 as conditions worsened over 48 hours.
• Authorities, with the guidance of veterinarians, decided to euthanize the surviving animals to minimize their suffering after failed attempts to return them to the sea.
• The cause of the mass stranding remains unknown, with potential factors including environmental conditions, disease, or human-related impacts like noise pollution.