More than 30 pilot whales that had stranded on a New Zealand beach were safely returned to the ocean, thanks to the efforts of conservation workers and residents who helped lift them onto sheets for refloating. However, four of the whales did not survive the incident, as confirmed by New Zealand’s conservation agency.
New Zealand, known for its frequent whale strandings, is a hotspot for such incidents, with pilot whales particularly vulnerable. The Department of Conservation had been monitoring Ruakaka Beach near Whangarei, where the stranded pod was saved, to ensure that no further strandings occurred.
The agency praised the “incredible” efforts of hundreds of people who helped save the whales. Joel Lauterbach, a spokesperson for the Department of Conservation, said, “It’s amazing to witness the genuine care and compassion people have shown toward these magnificent animals. This response demonstrates the deep connection we all share with our marine environment.”
A Maori cultural ceremony was held for the three adult whales and one calf that died during the stranding, as whales are considered a sacred treasure or “taonga” by New Zealand’s Indigenous people.
New Zealand has seen over 5,000 whale strandings since 1840, with the largest recorded stranding occurring in 1918, involving an estimated 1,000 pilot whales at the Chatham Islands. While the cause of these strandings is often unclear, New Zealand’s unique geography, with its shallow, sloping beaches, is believed to contribute to the phenomenon. This coastal environment can confuse whale species, such as the pilot whale, which relies on echolocation to navigate.
