Update - 6:45am Thursday 27 August

Sadly, DBCA officers have confirmed the humpback whale beached at Port Kennedy has passed away overnight.

Perth Zoo veterinarians will attend the site this morning to collect biological samples and data from the carcass to learn more about the whale.   

The team’s priority today is to safely remove the carcass from the beach for disposal offsite. 

A shark alert remains in place for the area. Port Kennedy Beach remains closed to the public until further notice by the City of Rockingham.

Update - 5pm Wednesday 26 August

DBCA has had a team of experienced marine rangers, wildlife officers and incident response specialists on Port Kennedy Beach since midday today. They have been assessing the whale’s condition in consultation with Perth Zoo vets who were at the scene.

The approximately 9-metre-long humpback was assessed as having compromised health. 

It was not possible to refloat the whale in the condition and location it was in. On the advice of the vets, the whale has been administered a sedative to hopefully lessen its pain and suffering.

DBCA officers will remain on the beach overnight to monitor the whale, and the response team will return tomorrow to determine the next steps.

The beach remains closed for public safety and to minimise any further stress to the whale. 
DBCA thanks everyone involved in this response today, and the members of the public for keeping a respectful distance to allow our team to respond. It is never easy when an animal is in distress.

Stranded whale Port Kennedy

DBCA officers are responding to a humpback whale that has stranded on a sand bank in shallow water in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Port Kennedy.

DBCA officers are liaising with veterinarians to assess the whale’s health and determine the most appropriate course of action.

Port Kennedy beach is being closed to the public. Members of the public are asked to stay away from the area for their own safety and to avoid causing further stress to the animal. It is likely the whale will attract sharks to area.

For the latest updates visit the Parks and Wildlife Service WA Facebook page.