Over 30 dolphins found dead on Tasmanian beach
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The tranquil shoreline of Bryan's Beach on Tasmania's Freycinet Peninsula was sadly the site of tragedy when 34 long-finned pilot whales were discovered dead along the coast.
Pilot whales—whose size is only surpassed by orcas—are actually members of the oceanic dolphin family.
According to a spokesperson from Tasmania’s Natural Resources and Environment Department, who confirmed the deaths and sent staff to assess the situation, 'It is not known why the whales stranded and is often not possible to determine.'
‘Staff, including a wildlife veterinarian, are on site to assess the situation and sample and measure the carcasses,’ the spokesperson added.
It was a real struggle for nature photographer and guide, Chris Theobald, to take it all in. Upon seeing the stark reality, Theobald took to social media to share photographs showing the devastating scene.
'Confronting scenes today on our Peninsula. An overnight mass stranding of over 30 Pilot whales,' he said, adding that this could be the result of 'relentless fishing and pollution' in the area.
Theobald described the occurrence as a ‘mass stranding’ and assumed that the whales ‘died fairly quickly’, potentially suggesting that all of the dolphins were sick.
‘Strong social bonds may lead to a herd following a sick or disorientated pod member into trouble but this particular group with males, females & calves died fairly quickly, suggesting they all could have been sick,’ he said.
Unfortunately, according to Theobald, 'there was no time to save any [dolphins].'
One of the worst stranding events in Australia's history took place in Tasmania back in September 2020, where 450 long-finned pilot whales sadly washed up on Macquarie Harbour.
Do you know other ways to help protect the world’s dolphin population? Share your ideas in the comments below!
Pilot whales—whose size is only surpassed by orcas—are actually members of the oceanic dolphin family.
According to a spokesperson from Tasmania’s Natural Resources and Environment Department, who confirmed the deaths and sent staff to assess the situation, 'It is not known why the whales stranded and is often not possible to determine.'
Thirty-four dolphins washed up on shore were found dead in Tasmania. Image: Instagram
‘Staff, including a wildlife veterinarian, are on site to assess the situation and sample and measure the carcasses,’ the spokesperson added.
It was a real struggle for nature photographer and guide, Chris Theobald, to take it all in. Upon seeing the stark reality, Theobald took to social media to share photographs showing the devastating scene.
'Confronting scenes today on our Peninsula. An overnight mass stranding of over 30 Pilot whales,' he said, adding that this could be the result of 'relentless fishing and pollution' in the area.
Tasmania’s Natural Resources and Environment Department staff were unable to save any of the stranded dolphins. Image: Instagram
Theobald described the occurrence as a ‘mass stranding’ and assumed that the whales ‘died fairly quickly’, potentially suggesting that all of the dolphins were sick.
‘Strong social bonds may lead to a herd following a sick or disorientated pod member into trouble but this particular group with males, females & calves died fairly quickly, suggesting they all could have been sick,’ he said.
Unfortunately, according to Theobald, 'there was no time to save any [dolphins].'
One of the worst stranding events in Australia's history took place in Tasmania back in September 2020, where 450 long-finned pilot whales sadly washed up on Macquarie Harbour.
Do you know other ways to help protect the world’s dolphin population? Share your ideas in the comments below!
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