A devastating mass stranding of 157 orcas occurred on the shores of Tasmania, Australia, leaving experts struggling to determine the cause. Despite extensive rescue efforts, local authorities confirmed that 90 of the animals could not be saved.
Early in the morning, a team of marine biologists and veterinarians arrived at the scene, attempting to guide some of the stranded orcas back to the ocean. However, their efforts proved unsuccessful. “All efforts failed,” stated Shelly Graham from the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service. With no viable alternatives, authorities ultimately decided that euthanizing the surviving orcas was the most humane course of action.
The tragic event was first reported by local residents. Experts believe this is the first mass orca stranding in the region in 50 years, estimating that the animals may have been onshore for 24 to 48 hours before being discovered.
The cause of the stranding remains a mystery. Authorities deployed helicopters to search for other stranded marine life but found no additional cases within a 10-kilometer radius. Scientists are continuing their investigation into the potential reasons behind this rare and puzzling event.
