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THE AUTHORITIES HAVE REVIEWED the number of pilot whales rescued from Australia’s worst mass stranding from 50 to 70 as the focus shifted to removing 380 carcasses.
The number of rescues had been estimated at 50 last night, but 20 more came to light after subsequent discussions with rescue crews, Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service manager Nic Deka said.
Another 20 whales could potentially be saved today and veterinarians are considering euthanizing four more, said Marine Conservation Program wildlife biologist Kris Carlyon.
An estimated 470 whales were discovered Monday and yesterday washed up on the coast and on sandbars along the remote west coast of the island state near the town of Strahan.
“We continue with the rescue operation. We still have live animals that are viable for rescue, ”Deka said. “But at the same time, we are beginning the initial efforts with the collection for the disposal of bodies.”
He said disposal at sea is the preferred option, but he was following the advice of an expert.
Carlyon said some of the first whales rescued Tuesday had returned to beach, but those that were guided back to sea yesterday appeared not to have returned. The rescued whales are marked to indicate which ones have returned.
“We are sure that most of the animals that have been floated and released have escaped,” he said. “Once they get to deeper water, it’s very difficult to keep track of them.”
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The reason why the whales ran aground is a mystery. Theories include that the pod followed sick whales or made a navigation error.
Tasmania is the only part of Australia prone to mass strandings, although they occasionally occur on the mainland.
Australia’s largest stranding had previously been 320 pilot whales near the Western Australian town of Dunsborough in 1996.
Tasmania’s previous largest stranding involved 294 whales off the northwest coast in 1935.
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