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Rare Pygmy Killer Whale Stranded, Dies on Sydney Beach
19 Jan
Summary
- An elusive pygmy killer whale was found stranded on Manly Beach.
- Wildlife rescuers attempted to re-float the whale, but it died.
- A necropsy will determine the cause of death and ocean health.
A rare pygmy killer whale was discovered stranded on Manly Beach in Sydney on Sunday afternoon, prompting an immediate response from wildlife rescue teams. The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) mobilized a team after receiving multiple public reports.
Despite valiant efforts by rescuers and beachgoers to assist the animal, it was sadly confirmed deceased. Pygmy killer whales are small, deep-water dolphins rarely seen and often confused with similar species. They typically inhabit tropical and subtropical waters globally.
The deceased whale was transported to Taronga Wildlife Hospital for a necropsy. Results are expected to offer valuable information on the species and the overall health of Australian marine environments. ORRCA emphasized contacting their hotline for distressed marine animals, advising against untrained rescue attempts.
