Two killer whales died and five others were rescued after a rare stranding of the animals in Australia
The pod of seven orcas became beached on a sandbar off Queensland's Fraser Island as they appeared to be heading into deeper waters.
More than a dozen rescuers worked throughout the day to free them but a mother and her calf died from overheating, according to local media.
Peter Wright from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said in a statement: "Rangers have been attempting to keep the whales comfortable with water and shade while waiting for the tide to rise."
Officials said the stranding of killer whales is rare across the globe and it is unclear why it happened.
Orcas are one of the world's most powerful predators, feasting on seals, sea lions and even other whales with teeth that can reach 10cm.
More than a dozen rescuers worked throughout the day to free them but a mother and her calf died from overheating, according to local media.
Peter Wright from the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service said in a statement: "Rangers have been attempting to keep the whales comfortable with water and shade while waiting for the tide to rise."
Officials said the stranding of killer whales is rare across the globe and it is unclear why it happened.
Orcas are one of the world's most powerful predators, feasting on seals, sea lions and even other whales with teeth that can reach 10cm.
Source : SkyNews
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