Between 50 and 100 pilot whales are on the shoreline at Toby’s Inlet near Dunsborough this morning, according to the state’s Parks and Wildlife Service.
“Experienced staff from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) and Perth Zoo vets are currently being deployed to respond to this evolving situation,” the WA Parks and Wildlife Department said.
The service warned that human safety was always prioritised over animal welfare at mass stranding events.
“We know people want to help but we asked that people please do not attempt to rescue the animals without direction of DBCA staff as this may cause further injury, and distress to the animals and hinder a coordinated rescue effort.”
Locals have rushed into the water to try and keep the whales immersed to save them, according to WA Today.
Others have posted on social media to ask for help.
Anyone wishing to help with the event can contact the service’s Brusselton office.
The mass stranding comes after at least 52 pilot whales, about half of the pod, died off Cheynes Beach in Albany last year, despite volunteers trying to usher them into deeper water.
The behaviour of the whales before they were beached puzzled experts at the time.
