Whale Spotter

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WHALE STRANDING AT MANLY

At approximately 1pm (AEDT) this afternoon (Sunday 18th January 2026), the ORRCA 24/7 Rescue Hotline received phone calls from members of the public and Surf Life Saving Club reporting a live stranding of an animal, initially described as a dolphin, at Manly Beach, in Sydney’s north.

Specially trained ORRCA Rescue Coordinators quickly gathered details to coordinate an emergency response. A team of ORRCA Rescue Team members arrived shortly after, but sadly, the animal was pronounced deceased on arrival following several well-meaning but unsuccessful re-float attempts by members of the public.

The young animal was originally identified as a melon-headed whale but later confirmed as a Pygmy Killer Whale. Not to be mistaken as a small orca, which is actually a dolphin, these are an oceanic species of toothed whales who are not often seen by the shore. The cause of stranding and subsequent death of this whale is not yet known. The body of the animal was respectfully transported by NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service to Taronga Wildlife Hospital who will carry out a necropsy in the coming days and weeks in the hope to learn more about this individual, the species and the health of the ocean.

📷 Image credits to ORRCA Rescue Member, Samira Sidhwani

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO HELP?
If you see a dolphin, whale or seal in distress or stranded please follow the below steps:

🔹 Do not attempt to re-float without licensed expert advice
🔹 Call the ORRCA 24/7 Rescue Hotline on (02) 9415 3333 and follow advice
🔹 Do not stand between the animal and the water, keep calm, quiet and stand well away
🔹 Where safe to, ask other members of the public to do the same
🔹 Register for an ORRCA Marine Mammal Rescue Workshop to learn about these amazing animals and how you can help in future - whether in person, over the phone as a Rescue Coordinator or educating others in general

A heartfelt thank you to the Manly community for your passion and care, and to, Manly Life Saving Club, Northern Beaches Council Life Guards, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and Manly Observer for your support.