On Wednesday 26 August 2026, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) officers responded to a humpback whale that stranded on a sand bank in shallow water in Shoalwater Islands Marine Park, Port Kennedy.

DBCA had a team of experienced marine rangers, wildlife officers and incident response specialists on Port Kennedy Beach from midday on Wednesday, assessing the whale's condition in consultation with Perth Zoo veterinarians who attended 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 veterinarians, the whale was administered a sedative to hopefully lessen its pain and suffering.

DBCA officers remained on the beach on Wednesday night to monitor the whale. Sadly, DBCA officers confirmed it had passed away overnight.

Perth Zoo veterinarians collected biological samples and data from the carcass which will help improve our understanding of whale health and mortality events.

By Thursday evening, the operation to remove the 9-metre humpback whale carcass from Port Kennedy Beach was successfully completed.

The whale was safely removed from the beach using heavy machinery before being transported to an appropriate waste facility, which is standard practice.

DBCA sincerely thanks everyone involved in the response and removal operation, including Perth Zoo, City of Rockingham, Western Australia Police Force and local contractors and businesses.

DBCA would also like to acknowledge Noongar Elder Trevor Walley and Senior Cultural Elder from Esperance, Gail Yorkshire-Selby, for delivering a heartfelt smoking ceremony to facilitate the whale on its journey.

DBCA thanks the local community for their cooperation and messages of support. Whale strandings are often complex and emotional events, and each one provides valuable opportunities to learn and strengthen future response efforts.

Port Kennedy Beach remains closed to the public until further notice by the City of Rockingham.

For more information, visit Parks and Wildlife Service WA Facebook page.