Approximately 160 long-finned pilot whales became stranded at Toby’s Inlet, leading to a large-scale rescue effort involving wildlife officers, volunteers, and marine experts. Despite the efforts, 31 whales perished.
On April 25, 2024, a distressing event occurred at Toby’s Inlet in Geographe Bay near Dunsborough, Western Australia, where approximately 160 long-finned pilot whales became stranded. Out of these, 31 whales died despite the rescue efforts involving wildlife officers, marine scientists, veterinarians, and numerous volunteers.
Authorities and volunteers from the Parks and Wildlife Service Western Australia worked together in an extensive rescue operation spread across the beach where the whales were distributed in four separate pods. It is reported that while some whales successfully re-entered the sea, others succumbed or were at risk due to the stranding.
Historical data from the region suggests that mass whale strandings are not uncommon, and decisions on euthanizing some of the beached whales are made to alleviate suffering based on assessments of their condition. The public was urged to keep a safe distance to ensure both their safety and the efficiency of the rescue efforts.
The exact cause of such strandings remains largely speculative, with possibilities ranging from navigational errors to disturbances by human-induced underwater noises. The local community and officials continue to monitor and address these marine emergencies with a focus on animal welfare and public safety.
