DOC rangers have been forced to put down five of the last six pygmy whales refloated in the Far North yesterday.
The pod was spotted in the breakers of Great Exhibition Bay this morning, about 20 kilometres north of Rarawa Beach.
DOC said five of the six whales beached again at the remote bay a short time ago and were euthanised.
The DOC team is monitoring the last remaining whale.
Twelve pygmy whales washed up on Ninety Mile Beach two days ago but four died before they could be refloated.