Up to 70 long-finned pilot whales have washed up on a beach in Western Australia, the Australian Department of Biodiversity and Conservation (DBCA) said on Tuesday.
The cetaceans were part of a larger group that had previously gathered for hours off Cheynes Beach, east of the town of Albany. According to the DBCA, the animals showed “extremely unusual behaviour.”
Officials from Cheynes Beach Caravan Park first started seeing the ordeal on Tuesday morning, when the animals had gathered offshore. At midday local time, they began to go ashore one by one. The park said Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions was on the scene to try and help the whales.
The Parks and Wildlife Service of Western Australia said on Tuesday afternoon local time that roughly 60 to 70 long-finned pilot whales had been stranded. Officials with the organization said they would remain at the beach overnight to monitor the animals.
"A team of experienced staff are currently being deployed, including Perth Zoo veterinarians and marine fauna experts, along with specialised equipment, including vessels and slings," the wildlife officials said.
"Our team will camp on the beach overnight and are setting up a safety zone around the stranding area," they said. "At this time, volunteers and the public are requested to not attend the beach overnight for their safety."
