westwhales.org.au

26/04/2024

UPDATE 27 April, 9am

Parks and Wildlife Service WA can confirm a spotter aircraft flight this morning has not identified any further stranded whales or pods offshore.

Further flights will be undertaken during the day and we remain on standby to respond to any re-stranding incidents.

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26 April, 4.10pm

We are sad to report Parks and Wildlife Service officers and vets today located a whale calf in a compromised condition at Eagle Bay beach, likely orphaned after the stranding event yesterday in which 28 long-finned pilot whales died.

Marine experts and vets monitored the animal closely and it appeared to be showing clear signs of distress. An up-close veterinary assessment found the animal’s health to be deteriorating, with no chance of survival without its mother.

Aerial spotter aircraft and vessels conducted thorough searches of the bay and surrounds, and experts deemed there to be little to no chance of the pod returning for the calf.

Sadly, the decision had to be made to euthanise the whale to avoid prolonging its suffering.

We thank everyone who assisted with the attempt to save the whales. Our heartfelt thanks go out to all the volunteers and staff from Parks and Wildlife Service, including Perth Zoo staff and supporting organisations involved in this operation including City of Busselton, WA Fisheries, WA Police Force, St John WA and Surf Life Saving WA.

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26 April, 10.30am

This morning, DBCA Parks and Wildlife Service Busselton received reports of one juvenile pilot whale located at Eagle Bay beach and will continue to monitor its welfare.

The City of Busselton has closed Quindalup Beach and is working with our staff to manage the removal of one deceased whale washed up at Quindalup Beach this morning.

There is also a pod of whales located offshore from Eagle Bay and other pods dispersed throughout the Capes area. Boats and a spotter aircraft continue to monitor and assess any sighting reports and staff are available to respond as required.

The community is encouraged to stay away from the subject beaches and the water. Anyone wanting to register as a volunteer or report sightings of stranded whales can call the Parks and Wildlife Service Busselton office on 9752 5555.

25/04/2024

9474 9055 if you are able to assist DPAW, under their direction, with the Toby's Inlet stranding of Pilot Whales ...

Take with you

Wetsuit - full size (for the sake of the animals, it's better to be in a full wetsuit than to use sunscreen)
Wide-brimmed hat
Plenty of water - stay hydrated at all times ('thirst' is not the best indicator of hydration levels)
Snacks
Change of clothes
A kayak/surfski if you have one & are a competent user

There's a process to follow when rehabbing these animals and releasing them, where they belong, back into deep water so take also ...

A good ear & an open heart ... this is about the safety & welfare of the animals, about care of the environment & about your safety & welfare. Listen to what DPAW require.

Did you know that wildlife rehabilitators need a licence from the Parks and Wildlife Service? 🐬🐍

If you find sick or injured native wildlife, the Wildcare Helpline on 9474 9055 can offer advice and put you in touch with your nearest licensed wildlife rehabilitator, wherever you are in WA.

This service is operated by awesome volunteers however they might not always be available 24/7. In this instance, we recommend you reach out to your local vet or wildlife rehabilitation centre or group.

If you do seek out a wildlife rehabilitator, make sure you ask to see a current copy of their licence so you can be assured they will provide adequate and appropriate care.

For more information including how to become a Wildcare Helpline volunteer, go to https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/wildlife-and-ecosystems/animals/wildcare-helpline

25/04/2024

Please contact DPAW if you are able to attend and assist.

A mass stranding of between 50 and 100 pilot whales is occurring at Toby’s Inlet near Dunsborough.

Experienced staff from DBCA and Perth Zoo vets are currently being deployed to respond to this evolving situation.

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.

If you would like to help, please contact the Parks and Wildlife Service Busselton office on 9752 5555.

The highest priority at mass whale stranding events is always human safety followed by animal welfare. We want all staff and volunteers to go home safe.

We ask that people please follow instructions of DBCA staff to ensure the highest human safety and animal welfare outcomes are achieved.

15/12/2023

11/12/2023

👏👏👏 well done, crew🐬💙🩵

2nd Stranding and Rescue in two days
So proud of the local crew of rescue volunteers, mandurah cruises staff, volunteers, with local parks officers, who once again rescued Solo and Tswizzle from high and dry stranding in Goegrup lake, the second rescue of the same dolphins in successive days!
Well done! You can all be very proud of your efforts to keep our dolphins safe. With government resources pushed to the sick whale in Rockingham we are thankful other animals needing help could still be saved through your efforts! The dangerous tides continue, please keep a look out across shallow areas! See anything message us!

11/12/2023

Utterly appalled by the behaviour of some people toward this animal yesterday. Very grateful that DBCA have stepped in to manage the situation, monitor its health & well being & keep people out of the water & away from it. Distance regulations for marine creatures exist for good reason.

05/11/2023

A s***m whale is born & another passes ... sad news from Project Jonah ...

*** STRANDING UPDATE ***

Sadly, the s***m whale that stranded in Christchurch has died overnight.

Large whales like this one pose a huge logistial challenge for a refloat due to their size and weight and often they have underlying health conditions which is likely the reason for them stranding.

In New Zealand there have only been four successful refloats of s***m whales - the last one being in Timaru in 2020.

This is the fifth s***m whale that has died in the last month with three stranding in Northland and one in Mahia.

Local iwi are onsite and giving karakia and working with DOC to move the whale. Our medics will also be onsite to assist. Thank you to everyone who reached out with offers to help.

05/11/2023

Fabulous footage ... and even better, their 'family structure' ... lovely to witness, even if only on video ...

04/11/2023