Initial findings from the examination of tissue samples from the 77 pilot whales found washed up on Sanday beach suggest they were healthy before becoming stranded. According to Mariel ten Doeschate, from the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme, post-mortems have been carried out on 30 whales and samples taken to determine their health status prior to stranding. Thorough investigation is needed to determine the cause behind the largest mass stranding since 1927 and members of the public have been asked to avoid the area.
Experts arrived on Sanday on Friday to work towards identifying the reasons behind the stranding and it is thought that the full investigation will last three or four days. According to Doeschate, single causes are rare and it is likely the result of a combination of factors. Those investigating have taken six key whales’ ear samples to investigate acoustic trauma.
Pilot whales have a matriarch-style social structure where the older female is seen as the authority in the pod. Although the cause of the stranding is still not clear, the animals’ close proximity suggests that they were reacting to a perceived threat, such as a predator, sound or other behavior stress response. The team is also investigating if any killer whales were nearby at the time, examining if they were pulled by prey or pushed because they were avoiding something.
The pod consisted of male whales measuring up to 7 metres long, as well as females, calves, and juveniles. Twelve of the animals were still alive when they were found at Tresness Beach on Sanday Island, but it was found that they had been stranded “for quite some time”. All attempts to save the whales were unsuccessful and the decision was made to euthanize them. The bodies will be disposed of following consultation with community representatives
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