The behaviour of a large pod of nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales has baffled scientists. The whales were seen forming a heart shape before tragically stranding themselves on a remote beach in Western Australia (WA).&nbsp;

Drone footage captured this rare phenomenon as the whales tightly grouped together at Cheynes Beach, about 60&nbsp;km east of Albany before the tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday evening.&nbsp;

By the next morning, over 50 of the majestic creatures lay lifeless on the shore, leaving volunteers, government workers, and scientists scrambling to rescue the remaining 46.

<h2>"Unique" images</h2>

Reece Whitby, WA's environment minister, shared that researchers across Australia were baffled when they witnessed the unprecedented behaviour of the pod before the stranding. He called the images "unique" and said, "It is pretty incredible from a scientific basis in terms of learning about strandings."&nbsp;

Whitby said that the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions sought advice from other jurisdictions that had experienced similar events, but the consensus was "We have never seen this before."

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<h2>Rescue efforts</h2>

Efforts to save the stranded whales commenced with a rescue operation on Wednesday. Slings were deployed to drag the massive — about 1,000 kg and up to 4 metres long — animals back to the sea.&nbsp;

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A massive team of more than 70 volunteers and 90 government agency staff working in shifts supported the whales, many of whom were weak and struggling to stay afloat in shallow water.&nbsp;

However, the attempt to coax some of the pilot whales into deeper waters later in the day was unsuccessful, and they beached themselves once again, reports The Guardian.

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The animals were then dragged onto the sand, where they were carefully assessed by veterinarians from Perth Zoo and Albany, with animal welfare rather than rescue becoming the priority. Volunteers tirelessly poured buckets of water over the distressed whales in an attempt to alleviate their suffering.

<h2>Why did the whales choose mass stranding?</h2>

Murdoch University marine biologist Dr Joshua Smith speculates that since pilot whales share a tight-knit social network, it might explain why they stuck together during the incident.&nbsp;

As the rescue efforts continued, volunteers faced the bitter cold of the ocean, enduring temperatures that made their dedicated work even more remarkable.

Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist from Macquarie University, speculated that illness or disorientation might be responsible for the unusual incident.

"The fact they were in one area very huddled and doing really interesting behaviours and looking around at times suggests something else is going on that we just don’t know."

However, even as experts investigate the cause of the stranding, the whales' behaviour remains an enigma.&nbsp;

Mass strandings of whales are distressing events that puzzle scientists and spark concern for marine conservation. In previous incidents in Western Australia, more than 130 whales died in a mass stranding in 2018, and the largest such event occurred in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves in Dunsborough.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The behaviour of a large pod of nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales has baffled scientists. The whales were seen forming a heart shape before tragically stranding themselves on a remote beach in Western Australia (WA).

The behaviour of a large pod of nearly 100 long-finned pilot whales has baffled scientists. The whales were seen forming a heart shape before tragically stranding themselves on a remote beach in Western Australia (WA). Drone footage captured this rare phenomenon as the whales tightly grouped together at Cheynes Beach, about 60 km east of Albany before the tragic incident unfolded on Tuesday evening. By the next morning, over 50 of the majestic creatures lay lifeless on the shore, leaving volunteers, government workers, and scientists scrambling to rescue the remaining 46. "Unique" images Reece Whitby, WA's environment minister, shared that researchers across Australia were baffled when they witnessed the unprecedented behaviour of the pod before the stranding. He called the images "unique" and said, "It is pretty incredible from a scientific basis in terms of learning about strandings." Whitby said that the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions sought advice from other jurisdictions that had experienced similar events, but the consensus was "We have never seen this before." Also read | Ultrafast air travel soon? NASA's supersonic X-59 and suborbital rockets lead the way Rescue efforts Efforts to save the stranded whales commenced with a rescue operation on Wednesday. Slings were deployed to drag the massive — about 1,000 kg and up to 4 metres long — animals back to the sea. #AUSTRALIAUNDERATTACK Biochemical. Air. Water. Food supply intel:#BREAKING 51 whales dead after mass stranding on Cheynes Beach in Western Australia If you don't believe our air, water and land are being poisoned. Then you are truly delusional. The cabal is targeting the… pic.twitter.com/LB0Ewuu3C3 — WayneTech SPFX®️ (@WayneTechSPFX) July 26, 2023 × A massive team of more than 70 volunteers and 90 government agency staff working in shifts supported the whales, many of whom were weak and struggling to stay afloat in shallow water. However, the attempt to coax some of the pilot whales into deeper waters later in the day was unsuccessful, and they beached themselves once again, reports The Guardian. Also read | Chaos in New York as construction crane catches fire, collapses partially; 6 injured. Watch! The animals were then dragged onto the sand, where they were carefully assessed by veterinarians from Perth Zoo and Albany, with animal welfare rather than rescue becoming the priority. Volunteers tirelessly poured buckets of water over the distressed whales in an attempt to alleviate their suffering. Why did the whales choose mass stranding? Murdoch University marine biologist Dr Joshua Smith speculates that since pilot whales share a tight-knit social network, it might explain why they stuck together during the incident. As the rescue efforts continued, volunteers faced the bitter cold of the ocean, enduring temperatures that made their dedicated work even more remarkable. Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a wildlife scientist from Macquarie University, speculated that illness or disorientation might be responsible for the unusual incident. "The fact they were in one area very huddled and doing really interesting behaviours and looking around at times suggests something else is going on that we just don’t know." However, even as experts investigate the cause of the stranding, the whales' behaviour remains an enigma. Mass strandings of whales are distressing events that puzzle scientists and spark concern for marine conservation. In previous incidents in Western Australia, more than 130 whales died in a mass stranding in 2018, and the largest such event occurred in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves in Dunsborough. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Scientists baffled as pilot whales form a 'heart' before mass stranding in Australia

Recently, 44 pilot whales discovered to be alive have been successfully pulled back into the water after being stranded on Tasmania's west coast.

Last Wednesday, over 230 pilot whales were reported to be stranded on the beach, but by the time rescuers arrived, over 170 had already perished. By Sunday, the death toll of stranded whales had reached nearly 200. They were chained together and towed out into the ocean, expected to float ashore.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/230-pilots-whales-stranded-in-the-same-spot-where-350-died-two-years-ago-518309">Also read |&nbsp;Australia: Nearly 200 pilot whales die on Tasmania's west coast after being stranded</a>

Locals tried to save whales by covering them in wet clothes, but that didn't help much.

However, amongst 44 alive whales, two of them were discovered to be giant oceanic dolphins. The mammals were saved by towing them one-by-one into whalers off the coast with the help of state government employees, veterinarians, locals, and volunteers from the nearby area.

Nic Deka, the incident's controller for rescue, expressed her gratitude for volunteering to save the aquatic animals. Authorities in the region have issued a warning that carcasses might wash up in the following weeks and announced that surveillance planes would be flying over the area to keep an eye on them, The Guardian reported.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/whats-the-reason-behind-death-of-nearly-200-pilot-whales-on-tasmanias-west-coast-518650">Also read |&nbsp;What led to the death of nearly 200 pilot whales at a Tasmanian beach?</a>

The authorities have further requested people who see any whales stranded&nbsp;in the area contact them immediately.

Similar instance of mass stranding happened exactly two years ago. At that time, Ocean Beach had approximately 470 whales.&nbsp;

As per experts, the reason for this mass stranding might never be discovered. But due to the heavy mass standing there, it is known as a "whale trap."

As per tracking satellite data, two of the saved whales are predicted to be swimming nearby.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Recently, 44 pilot whales discovered to be alive have been successfully pulled back into the water after being stranded on Tasmania's west coast. Last Wednesday, over 230 pilot whales were reported to be stranded on the beach, but by the time rescuers arrived, over 170 had already perished.

Recently, 44 pilot whales discovered to be alive have been successfully pulled back into the water after being stranded on Tasmania's west coast. Last Wednesday, over 230 pilot whales were reported to be stranded on the beach, but by the time rescuers arrived, over 170 had already perished. By Sunday, the death toll of stranded whales had reached nearly 200. They were chained together and towed out into the ocean, expected to float ashore. Also read | Australia: Nearly 200 pilot whales die on Tasmania's west coast after being stranded Locals tried to save whales by covering them in wet clothes, but that didn't help much. However, amongst 44 alive whales, two of them were discovered to be giant oceanic dolphins. The mammals were saved by towing them one-by-one into whalers off the coast with the help of state government employees, veterinarians, locals, and volunteers from the nearby area. Nic Deka, the incident's controller for rescue, expressed her gratitude for volunteering to save the aquatic animals. Authorities in the region have issued a warning that carcasses might wash up in the following weeks and announced that surveillance planes would be flying over the area to keep an eye on them, The Guardian reported. Also read | What led to the death of nearly 200 pilot whales at a Tasmanian beach? The authorities have further requested people who see any whales stranded in the area contact them immediately. Similar instance of mass stranding happened exactly two years ago. At that time, Ocean Beach had approximately 470 whales. As per experts, the reason for this mass stranding might never be discovered. But due to the heavy mass standing there, it is known as a "whale trap." As per tracking satellite data, two of the saved whales are predicted to be swimming nearby. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Australia: 44 pilot whales rescued and returned to sea at Tasmania's west coast

All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday.

The marine mammals stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, 315 km (198 miles) south of the state&#39;s capital, Perth, between March 22 and 23.

Authorities, veterinarians and locals who were visiting the beach attempted to save 15 of the migrating cetaceans in shallow waters, however, only seven were able to successfully be placed back in the water.

A spokeswoman from Western Australia&#39;s Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said one whale beached itself again and had to be euthanised. So far, the remaining six whales appear to have survived although incident controller Jeremy Chick said they could attempt to beach themselves at another location.

Pilot whales, which are part of the dolphin family, weigh between one and four tons each, providing a logistical challenge to local authorities, who are now working on disposing of the carcasses.

While whales regularly get stranded on the coastal strip migrating between Antarctic feeding grounds in the south and warmer northern waters where they raise their young, the large number this time is unusual.

There was a previously recorded mass stranding in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves just north of Hamelin Bay and died.

Locals and tourists have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales. The beach has been temporarily closed while authorities dispose of the deceased whales.

All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday

All but six of more than 150 short-finned pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in Western Australia have died, despite efforts from authorities and local beachgoers to save them, officials said on Saturday. The marine mammals stranded themselves in Hamelin Bay, 315 km (198 miles) south of the state's capital, Perth, between March 22 and 23. Authorities, veterinarians and locals who were visiting the beach attempted to save 15 of the migrating cetaceans in shallow waters, however, only seven were able to successfully be placed back in the water. A spokeswoman from Western Australia's Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions said one whale beached itself again and had to be euthanised. So far, the remaining six whales appear to have survived although incident controller Jeremy Chick said they could attempt to beach themselves at another location. Pilot whales, which are part of the dolphin family, weigh between one and four tons each, providing a logistical challenge to local authorities, who are now working on disposing of the carcasses. While whales regularly get stranded on the coastal strip migrating between Antarctic feeding grounds in the south and warmer northern waters where they raise their young, the large number this time is unusual. There was a previously recorded mass stranding in 1996 when 320 long-finned pilot whales stranded themselves just north of Hamelin Bay and died. Locals and tourists have been warned to stay out of the water due to a likely increase in sharks attracted by the dead whales. The beach has been temporarily closed while authorities dispose of the deceased whales.

Whales die after mass stranding in Australia