Editor’s note: This story contains images and video that may be disturbing to some readers.
After existing efforts to save the aquatic animals, Australian authorities are euthanizing 90 beached whales stranded on a Tasmanian beach.
The animals are part of a pod of 157 whales that beached near Arthur River, a township on the northern part of the West Coast of the island of Tasmania, the Marine Conservation Program reported Tuesday. The other whales died shortly after the stranding, according to the federal agency.
During a press conference, Brendon Clark, an officer with the Tasmanian Parks and Wildlife Service, said the animals are false killer whales, a species of dolphin generally found in deep off-shore waters.
Clark said it marked the first standing of that species in about five decades.
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Cause of mass whale beaching unclear
It was not immediately known what caused the mass beaching.
“Following expert wildlife veterinarian assessments, we have decided euthanasia will be required for animal welfare reasons,” Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, another group working with the Marine Conservation Program, posted on Facebook Wednesday. “Unfortunately, it’s currently expected all remaining alive whales will be euthanized.”
“The longer these animals are stranded, the longer they are suffering,” the wildlife service wrote.
Crews made rescue attempts, but unfavorable weather prevented saving
Video shows rescue crews attempting to save the whales that survived the mass stranding, but officials said sadly unfavorable weather conditions and the remote nature of the site prevented their successful refloating.
Officials said the wildlife service has closed roads and beaches in the area while officials work.
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
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