Authorities have launched a desperate rescue operation after a mass stranding of between 50 and 100 pilot whales on a beach in Western Australia.
The whales are stranded at Toby’s Inlet near Dunsborough, about a three-hour drive south of Perth.
Parks and Wildlife Service Western Australia posted a message on Facebook to warn the public of the stranding, with Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) staff joining Perth Vets try to get the animals back into the water.
“We know people want to help, but we have asked people not to attempt to rescue the animals without direction from DBCA staff as this could cause further harm and discomfort to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort,” the message said .
Rescuers are currently conducting a desperate rescue operation after a mass stranding of between 50 and 100 pilot whales on a beach in Western Australia
‘The top priority in mass whale strandings is always human safety, followed by animal welfare. We want all employees and volunteers to go home safely.’
The mass stranding follows a similar event last year in Albany, further south on the WA coast.
In November, 34 pilot whales were also found dead on Bryans Beach, 140 km northeast of Hobart.