Stanley beaches in Tasmania are continuing to be monitored after the successful rescue of a stranded pygmy right whale on Saturday.
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About 11.20am, a team of Stanley locals and Parks and Wildlife staff were able to successfully refloat the 5m whale as the tide came in.
The whale likely became beached shortly before dawn, but a PWS spokesperson said the 1-2 tonne animal showed no signs of injury or entanglement.
"Tatlows Beach is quite tidal and pygmy right whales have stranded in this area before," they said.
"There is often an underlying issue with these whales when they strand, or they become exhausted quickly.
"The whale's breathing, swimming and balance appeared good and it can no longer be seen in the bay.
"Local beaches will continue to be monitored in coming days in case of re-stranding."
Pygmy right whales are the smallest of baleen whales and are rarely sighted at sea, but Tasmania appears to be one of the common spots for strandings to occur.
Marine biologist Cassie Thomas assisted with the rescue and said the whale may have been disoriented, as it attempted to swim back toward the beach a couple of times after the rescue, but eventually returned to the open waters.
Members of the public are encouraged to report any dolphin or whale strandings to the WHALE hotline (0427 942 537) and/or share to social media using #WhalesTas.
Sandy Powell
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
Court and crime reporter covering the West and North-West of Tasmania for the Advocate.
