More than 50 whales die after stranding in Scotland – 07/16/2023 – World

More than 50 pilot whales were found stranded this Sunday (16) on a beach on the Isle of Lewis and Harris, in western Scotland. Most of the group died.

The reasons for the mass stranding are uncertain. According to the NGO British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), which works to rescue marine animals, one of the dead whales appeared to have a vaginal prolapse (weakening of the ligaments and muscles in the region), which indicates the possibility of that the group has run aground due to the delivery of a female.

“Pilot whales are notorious for their strong social ties; often, when one whale gets into trouble and runs aground, the others follow,” says an excerpt from the note released by the organization.

Specialists in the rescue of marine animals were mobilized around 7:00 am local time (3:00 am in Brasilia). Around 55 whales, including adults and calves, were stranded, and only 15 were found alive.

“Our marine mammal doctors attended and administered first aid to the surviving whales”, says the BDMLR text. Experts tried to tow two whales that were more active — one of them managed to return to the ocean.

Around 3:30 pm local time, the animals that were still alive had to be euthanized. The decision was made by the BDMLR team in conjunction with the Coast Guard and firefighters.

“Considering the time the pilot whales were out of the water, in addition to the poor conditions, it was decided that they should be euthanized for welfare reasons”, says the organization’s note.

Pilot whales can reach eight meters in length and are known for sociable behavior.