Large number of pilot whales saved off the coast of Sri Lanka

Over 100 pilot whales have been saved after beaching themselves near the Sri Lankan capital Colombo.

Local volunteers and Navy personnel have been on the scene attempting to rescue the whales and many have been guided back into deeper water, although there is still a risk that some may strand on the coastline again.

Pilot whales can strand in large numbers as they live in very tight social groups and, when a lead individual has made a navigational mistake or one of the group is sick or wounded, the rest of their pod frequently follow that individual towards the shoreline and into trouble.

Recently, over 450 pilot whales stranded in various locations along a stretch of coastline in a remote part of Tasmania in Australia.

WDC helps with strandings around the world and works on projects seeking to understand why whales and dolphins strand  – DONATE TO HELP OUR WORK.