‘Poor condition’: Baby humpback dies after stranding on K’gari

A newborn humpback has been euthanised after becoming stranded on a beach on K’gari in the sixth whale death in little more than a week.

Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) rangers are responding to a humpback whale that stranded on Eastern Beach, K’gari earlier today (3 July 2023).

A newborn humpback has died after becoming stranded on Fraser Island on Monday.

Members of the public attempted to refloat the newborn whale, however it re-stranded a short time later in a very poor condition.

Following the advice of specialist vets, rangers have humanely euthanised the animal and are liaising with the Butchulla People regarding its disposal.

It is the sixth dead whale to be found in the Wide Bay since the migration of the mammals began at the end of last month.

Last week, drone footage was captured of tiger sharks feasting on the body of a dead humpback off the coast of Hervey Bay.

A stranded humpback was discovered at Susan River on June 16, which later died.

On June 20, a dead humpback whale washed up at Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach, then on June 22, a Bryde’s whale stranded and later died at Eurong, K’gari.

A whale stranded at the mouth of the Susan River has died.

On June 20, a dead humpback whale washed up at Inskip Point, near Rainbow Beach, then on June 22, a Bryde’s whale stranded and later died at Eurong, K’gari.
On June 24, a second Bryde’s whale stranded and later died at Cathedral beach, K’gari and on June 25, the dead humpback was reported to the Department of Environment and Science.

“Newborn whales can strand for different reasons including poor health or injury,” a spokeswoman from the Department of Environment and Science said

“Baby whales can also strand if separated from their mothers, as they cannot survive without them.

“Whenever a whale strands, people are advised to stay away from the animal. Whales can carry zoonotic diseases, so people are advised never to touch them.

“People must be aware that if a whale is stranded in shallow water, sharks may be present. People may feel compelled to assist the animal, but personal safety must come first.”

All sightings of stranded marine life, including whales, should be reported immediately to DES on 1300 130 372 or to the relevant council.

The QPWS and local councils have highly trained experts ready to deploy to whale strandings, and it is best to wait for the experts to attend and assist during stranding events.