Over 30 Stranded Pilot Whales Rescued on New Zealand Beach with Help from Volunteers
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More than 30 pilot whales stranded on Ruakākā Beach in New Zealand were successfully rescued by volunteers and conservation professionals who used large sheets to lift and transport the animals back to sea.
The innovative rescue effort involved suspending the whales in sheets attached to a boat operated by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DoC).
Ruakākā Beach, located near Whangārei on the country’s North Island, is known for frequent whale strandings. DoC officials regularly monitor the area and encourage the public to report sightings of whales near the shore.
While most of the pod was saved, three adult whales and one calf did not survive. To honor their spirits, a Māori ceremony was held, reflecting the cultural significance of whales as sacred treasures.
“The compassion and dedication shown by everyone involved highlight the deep connection we share with these majestic creatures and our marine environment,” said Joel Lauterbach, a spokesperson for the Department of Conservation.
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