In brief
In early August, a 9‑year‑old girl and her mother discovered a humpback whale unable to move on the sandy shore of Wathumba Creek on K'gari, Queensland. The Queensland Department of Environment reported that the whale successfully self‑released later that afternoon. Officials advise the public not to approach or touch marine animals in distress and to report sightings immediately.
In the early hours of August 9, a 9‑year‑old girl and her mother found a humpback whale stranded on the sandy shore of Wathumba Creek on the Great Barrier Reef island of K'gari, Queensland.
Marine services responded promptly. By the afternoon of Sunday, Queensland’s Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation confirmed that the whale successfully self‑released and was no longer stranded.
The department reminds the public that it is unsafe to touch, interfere with or approach stranded marine animals. Anyone who encounters a stranding should report the location immediately to authorities.
