More than 50 pilot whales have died after stranding on the Isle of Lewis in Scotland.
According to British Marine Life Rescue, a pregnant whale washed ashore in strong waves after coming too close to shore, and it is feared that other whales may have been stranded after her.
According to rescue officials, pilot whales have a very deep social bond, and when one gets into trouble, other whales come to its aid.
Marine life officials say that the rescue team tried hard to save the pilot whales but failed due to strong waves, after which it was decided to euthanize them to give them an easy death on welfare grounds.
The whales’ rescue operation involved the local community of Lewes, coastguards, fire brigade, Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme and civil aviation personnel, while aquatic experts were also on the scene.
It should be noted that pilot whales are small in size, so they are considered a species of dolphin, while ‘euthanize’ is the process of humanely killing an animal to save it from suffering.
