Pilot whales stranding in New Zealand

SOURCE www.nbcnews.com
More than 30 pilot whales stranded on a beach in New Zealand were safely returned to the ocean after conservation workers and residents helped refloat them. Four whales died. New Zealand is a whale stranding hotspot.

Key Points

  • New Zealand is a whale stranding hotspot.
  • Over 5,000 whale strandings recorded in New Zealand since 1840.
  • Geography and coastline of New Zealand believed to contribute to strandings.

Pros

  • Conservation workers and residents successfully refloated over 30 stranded pilot whales.
  • Efforts made by hundreds of people to save the whales were praised as incredible.
  • Māori cultural ceremony held for the whales that died, showing cultural significance.
  • Deep connection between people and marine environment highlighted.

Cons

  • Four pilot whales died during the stranding.