Strandings of whales and dolphins require rapid welfare-centred responses. Decisions about refloating, euthanasia, and care quality determine animal outcomes.
Stranded cetaceans suffer greatly from the physiological demands of supporting their weight without water buoyancy, often combined with disease or injury. Welfare during response involves minimising handling stress, preventing overheating, and making timely euthanasia decisions for non-viable animals. Refloating success depends on rapid response and animal condition at discovery.