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

In what comes as another horrible incident, about 250 pilot whales have died after beaching on the remote Chatham Island in New Zealand. The incident comes a couple of weeks after over 200 pilot whales were found dead in Australia after getting stranded in a similar manner.

In what comes as another horrible incident, about 250 pilot whales have died after beaching on the remote Chatham Island in New Zealand. The incident comes a couple of weeks after over 200 pilot whales were found dead in Australia after getting stranded in a similar manner. New Zealand's department of conservation said that whales were stranded on the northwest of the island and that all of them had died. Those who remained alive were euthanised to ease the pain. "All the stranded pilot whales are now deceased and their bodies will be left to decompose naturally on site," the department said in a statement. "We do not actively refloat whales on the Chatham Islands due to the risk of shark attack to both humans and the whales themselves," it added. The island houses less than 800 people and lies nearly 840 kilometres east of mainland New Zealand which makes it extremely difficult to carry out any rescue operation. Read more: Death Trap: Over two dozen whales dead in New Zealand "The Chatham Islands is a challenging spot for stranding response, known for great white sharks, remote beaches, and a resident population of less than 800 people,” Project Jonah, a marine mammal rescue charity whose volunteers worked on the ground informed. "These mass strandings are distressing events, and while we always hope for surviving whales are able to be refloated, this wasn't an option here. Our thoughts go to the Department of Conservation (DOC) rangers and the local community at this time," it added. Chatham Island has seen its fair share of such unfortunate beaching events. In 1918, over 1000 pilot whales reportedly got stranded on the island, which, to date is the largest recorded beaching event. As reported by WION, the incident in New Zealand comes a couple of weeks after the neighbouring country of Australia witnessed a similar tragedy. Read more: Australia: Nearly 200 pilot whales die on Tasmania's west coast after being stranded Nearly 200 whales had died then after beaching on Tasmania's west coast. According to the department of natural resources, the whales got stuck near the harbour entrance, more popularly known as Hell's gates. Despite the best efforts of authorities, the majority of the whales could not be saved and they died on the same spot where 350 pilot whales had lost their lives two years ago. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

250 pilot whales die in New Zealand after another beaching incident

Nearly 200 whales have died after becoming stranded on a beach on Tasmania's west coast. As per rescuers, some 35 whales are alive and warned of difficult rescue efforts.

Nearly 200 whales have died after becoming stranded on a beach on Tasmania's west coast. As per rescuers, some 35 whales are alive and warned of difficult rescue efforts. Brendon Clark, the operating manager said, "We have got about 35 surviving animals out on the beach and the primary focus this morning will be on the rescue and release of these animals," AFP reported. According to the department of natural resources, the whales were stuck near the harbour entrance, more popularly known as Hells gates. "A pod of approximately 230 whales is stranded near Macquarie Harbour. It appears about half of the animals are alive," the department earlier said in a statement. Read more: Sperm whales found dead en masse on Australian island It further said that Environment Tasmania Marine Conservation Programme (MCP) was working on assembling the whale rescue gear and heading to the location which is far from the mainland. Remarking that whales are a protected species, the department added that 'even once deceased, it is an offence to interfere with a carcass'. The locals in an effort to keep the whales alive until professional assistance came, covered some with blankets and soaked them with buckets of seawater. However, despite these efforts, over 300 whales have died in Tasmania so far. Various aerial images of numerous glossy black mammals were captured who were stranded on the end of the beach. An unfortunate coincidence It is pertinent to note that two years ago on September 21, the same date as today, one of Australia's worst mass whale stranding incidents was recorded. At the time, over 470 pilot whales were stranded in the region. An elaborate rescue operation was launched at the time as well. And while 111 whales were saved, 350 lost their lives, leaving the humongous task of disposing of their carcasses. A beluga whale died in France As reported by WION, in August, a beluga whale strayed into the polluted Seine river in France, away from its natural habitat of the frigid cold waters of the Arctic. Read more: France: Beluga whale stranded in Seine river dies during rescue attempt The protected species animal was stuck in the river which flows through Paris to the channel. Despite the authorities attempting to guide the whale, it wasn't able to find its way Eventually, the white mammal died after a week, having starved and become excessively thin. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Australia: Nearly 200 pilot whales die on Tasmania's west coast after being stranded

Almost 200 out of the 230 stranded pilot whales have perished on the West Coast of Tasmania. The State's wildlife service authorities say only 35 of these whales have survived.

WION Climate Tracker: Pilot whales stranded on Tasmania coast

What led to the death of nearly 200 pilot whales at a Tasmanian beach?

On the West Coast of Tasmania, the Island state of Australia , a strange occurrence have been has been reported. A pod of 230 pilot whales have been found stranded on the beach. Officials are fearing half of them are dead.

WION Climate Tracker | Pod of 230 pilot whales stranded in Tasmania

Only three of 45 short-finned pilot whales survived the mass stranding on Friday in shallow waters on Indonesia's Madura Island off the northeastern coast of Java, officials said.&nbsp;

The three whales were pushed back to the sea by volunteers and local authorities along the Modung beach in East Java province.&nbsp;

East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said authorities are investigating the cause of death while the carcasses will be buried around the coast.&nbsp;

The volunteers, who are helping them to get back to the ocean, said that some whales got back to the coast again as their mothers are still stranded at the beach, Parawansa said.&nbsp;

According to data from Whale Stranding Indonesia, there were 59 beaching incidents in the country last year, most of them dugongs and spinner dolphins. &nbsp;

Meanwhile, Israeli officials have said that a dead whale has washed up on a beach south of Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

David Halfon of the Nature and Parks Authority said on Thursday that the animal was a fin whale calf about half the size of an adult, which can grow to more than 20 meters (about 66 feet) long.&nbsp;

He and other officials said it wasn't clear what caused the death, but they said the water nearby is polluted, including with tar.&nbsp;

It's a very sad event, Halfon said of the whale's death and appearance in the Nitzanim Reserve.&nbsp;

Aviad Scheinin of the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station said a team will take samples from the animal to try to determine a cause of death.&nbsp;

Shaul Goldstein, CEO of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, said a tar pollution incident was plaguing area waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;

He called for an investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the pollution. A similar whale washed up dead in the area in 2016.&nbsp;

Only three of 45 short-finned pilot whales survived the mass stranding on Friday in shallow waters on Indonesia's Madura Island off the northeastern coast of Java, officials said.

Only three of 45 short-finned pilot whales survived the mass stranding on Friday in shallow waters on Indonesia's Madura Island off the northeastern coast of Java, officials said. The three whales were pushed back to the sea by volunteers and local authorities along the Modung beach in East Java province. East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa said authorities are investigating the cause of death while the carcasses will be buried around the coast. The volunteers, who are helping them to get back to the ocean, said that some whales got back to the coast again as their mothers are still stranded at the beach, Parawansa said. According to data from Whale Stranding Indonesia, there were 59 beaching incidents in the country last year, most of them dugongs and spinner dolphins. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have said that a dead whale has washed up on a beach south of Tel Aviv. David Halfon of the Nature and Parks Authority said on Thursday that the animal was a fin whale calf about half the size of an adult, which can grow to more than 20 meters (about 66 feet) long. He and other officials said it wasn't clear what caused the death, but they said the water nearby is polluted, including with tar. It's a very sad event, Halfon said of the whale's death and appearance in the Nitzanim Reserve. Aviad Scheinin of the Morris Kahn Marine Research Station said a team will take samples from the animal to try to determine a cause of death. Shaul Goldstein, CEO of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, said a tar pollution incident was plaguing area waters in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. He called for an investigation and prosecution of those responsible for the pollution. A similar whale washed up dead in the area in 2016.

Only 3 of 45 pilot whales survive mass stranding in Indonesia

China&#39;s January exports easily exceeded analysts&#39; expectations, rising 7.9 per cent from a year earlier, while imports rose by 16.7 per cent, also topping forecasts, preliminary data showed on Friday.

That left the country with a trade surplus of $51.35 billion for the month, the General Administration of Customs said.

But China watchers caution that trends in January and February can be distorted by the long Lunar New Year holidays, with business slowing down weeks ahead of time and many firms scaling back operations or closing. The holiday fell on January 28 this year, 11 days earlier than last year.

Customs is due to release the final data for trade on February 23.

Analysts polled by Reuters had expected January shipments from the world&#39;s largest exporter to have risen 3.3 per cent, after a dismal 2016 that saw exports slump 7.7 per cent as China lagged an export rebound enjoyed by some of its North Asian neighbours.

Imports had been forecast to rise 10.0 per cent, accelerating from 3.1 per cent growth in December.

Analysts were expecting China&#39;s trade surplus to have risen to $47.90 billion in January, versus December&#39;s $40.71 billion, with growing attention on its large trade surplus with the United States as new US&nbsp;President Donald Trump ramps up his protectionist rhetoric.

(Reuters)

About 150 people form human wall ?to prevent some 100 surviving whales from Friday's beaching from returning to the shore

China's January exports easily exceeded analysts' expectations, rising 7.9 per cent from a year earlier, while imports rose by 16.7 per cent, also topping forecasts, preliminary data showed on Friday. That left the country with a trade surplus of $51.35 billion for the month, the General Administration of Customs said. But China watchers caution that trends in January and February can be distorted by the long Lunar New Year holidays, with business slowing down weeks ahead of time and many firms scaling back operations or closing. The holiday fell on January 28 this year, 11 days earlier than last year. Customs is due to release the final data for trade on February 23. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected January shipments from the world's largest exporter to have risen 3.3 per cent, after a dismal 2016 that saw exports slump 7.7 per cent as China lagged an export rebound enjoyed by some of its North Asian neighbours. Imports had been forecast to rise 10.0 per cent, accelerating from 3.1 per cent growth in December. Analysts were expecting China's trade surplus to have risen to $47.90 billion in January, versus December's $40.71 billion, with growing attention on its large trade surplus with the United States as new US President Donald Trump ramps up his protectionist rhetoric. (Reuters)

New Zealand: Rescuers defy shark threat to keep 200 whales from shore in fresh stranding

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