In a devastating event on Tresness Beach, Sanday Island, Scotland, wildlife rescuers and veterinarians are reeling from the discovery of 77 pilot whales, out of which only 12 have survived, according to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).
Euthanized by Authorities
Initially found stranded, the condition of the surviving whales rapidly deteriorated, forcing authorities to euthanize them due to injuries sustained from their own weight and the likelihood of inhaling water during the rising tide according to Tag24.
The soft sand substrate compounded their struggle, preventing their self-rescue efforts as the tide inundated them.
The stranded whales, consisting of adult males measuring up to 23 feet long, females, calves, and juveniles, were part of a larger pod, as reported by the BBC. Experts speculate that one whale might have been in distress, prompting the others to strand themselves in an attempt to help.
Rescue Operations
Rescue operations on the remote beach involved efforts from local communities, with farmers prepared to assist in transporting the deceased whales using tractors and trailers. Emma Neave-Webb of BDMLR emphasized the collaborative effort needed across agencies to manage the recovery and understand the circumstances leading to this tragic incident.
Neave-Webb expressed the emotional toll on rescuers, noting the challenging conditions and the heartbreaking scene they faced. Plans for necropsies are underway to investigate the cause of the mass stranding, highlighting the need for public cooperation and awareness during rescue operations.
Pilot whales, known for their tight social bonds and seasonal migrations, are prone to mass strandings, posing a significant challenge for conservationists and marine biologists striving to protect these vulnerable species.
