More than 60 false killer whales have died and authorities are trying to save dozens more after a mass stranding on a remote Australian beach.Tasmania’s Department of Natural Resources and Environment said a pod of 157 had beached near Arthur River, in the island’s north west.About 90 of the animals – which witnesses say include juveniles – are still alive, with conservation experts and veterinarians at the site evaluating whether any can be returned to the sea.Tasmania has seen a series of mass whale strandings in recent years – including the country’s worst-ever in 2020 – but false killer whales haven’t mass stranded there in over 50 years.False killer whales are technically one of the largest dolphin species, like their orca namesakes, and can grow up to 6m and 1.5t.Authorities says the pod has been stranded at the site – about 300km from the city of Launceston – for 24 to 48 hours, and it will be an uphill battle to save any of them.”Initial assessments indicate that refloating the whales will be difficult due to the inaccessibility of the site, ocean conditions and the challenges of getting specialised equipment to the remote area,” department spokesman Brendon Clarke told media.While rescuers have successfully saved whales at other recent stranding events on the west coast, the complexity of this incident means the same techniques can’t be used.Teams on site are triaging the whales with the best chance of survival and trying to keep them alive and comfortable while rescue options are discussed.Animal welfare is a priority, but there are concerns a …
