[1/2] A view of pilot whales stranded on Cheynes Beach, Australia July 25, 2023, in this still image obtained from social media video. Marine experts and volunteers camped overnight at Cheynes Beach, more than 450 kilometres (280 miles) southeast of Perth in Western Australia state, after the whales were found washed up near the beach. "Sadly, 51 whales have died overnight after a mass stranding," Western Australia Parks and Wildlife Service said in a statement. Pilot whales are notorious for their strong social bonds, so when one whale gets into difficulty and strands, the rest usually follow, according to marine experts. Australia and neighbouring New Zealand are hot spots for mass whale strandings owing to large colonies of pilot whales living in the deep oceans surrounding both island nations, but the reason why they get trapped on beaches remains a mystery.

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Persons: Allan Marsh, Renju Jose, Sonali Paul Organizations: REUTERS, Australia Parks and Wildlife Service, Thomson Locations: Beach, Australia, REUTERS SYDNEY, Australia's, Cheynes, Perth, Western Australia, New Zealand, Sydney