Stranded whales in the Everglades
81 false killer whales have died after becoming stranded off of Everglades National Park. It was the largest mass standing of this species in history.
According to NOAA, nearly 100 animals were spotted on the western side of the Park, north of the Highland Beach area.
Several agencies, including NOAA and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC, were dispatched in order to confirm the beaching of the whales.
The agencies attempted to herd the animals but were unsuccessful at doing so. The whales then scattered and spread out, many getting deeply tangled in the mangroves.
Veterinarians on the scene evaluated their poor condition, and unfortunately, 9 had to be humanely euthanised.
On Saturday, scientists found a total of 95 whales. 81 died in total - 72 died on their own, 9 were euthanised. 13 whales in the pod were unaccounted for, as of Monday afternoon.
The area where the whales stranded is so remote that it was hard for crews to reach it. Officials also said that sharks have begun to show up to feed on the dead animals. The whales ranged in age from calves to adults of both sexes.
There is still no word on what caused them to beach themselves. However, they are currently investigating the rare occurrence and are collecting samples.
Caption: @shut.down.captivity (on Instagram)
According to NOAA, nearly 100 animals were spotted on the western side of the Park, north of the Highland Beach area.
Several agencies, including NOAA and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC, were dispatched in order to confirm the beaching of the whales.
The agencies attempted to herd the animals but were unsuccessful at doing so. The whales then scattered and spread out, many getting deeply tangled in the mangroves.
Veterinarians on the scene evaluated their poor condition, and unfortunately, 9 had to be humanely euthanised.
On Saturday, scientists found a total of 95 whales. 81 died in total - 72 died on their own, 9 were euthanised. 13 whales in the pod were unaccounted for, as of Monday afternoon.
The area where the whales stranded is so remote that it was hard for crews to reach it. Officials also said that sharks have begun to show up to feed on the dead animals. The whales ranged in age from calves to adults of both sexes.
There is still no word on what caused them to beach themselves. However, they are currently investigating the rare occurrence and are collecting samples.
Caption: @shut.down.captivity (on Instagram)
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