Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Environment
Narelle Towie at Cheynes beach, Western Australia

They squeaked as they died: I tried to help those baby pilot whales – but nothing could be done

‘All were filled with hope and all were heartbroken by the tragic end to the day’: volunteers with the dying pod of pilot whales at Cheynes beach, Western Australia on Wednesday evening.
‘All were filled with hope and all were heartbroken by the tragic end to the day’: volunteers with the dying pod of pilot whales at Cheynes beach, Western Australia on Wednesday evening. Photograph: Narelle Towie/The Guardian

It was the little cries of the dying young ones that hit me hardest.

The sound is hard to describe – like a high-pitched squeak, a forlorn whistle amid the noise of breaking waves.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.