After a massive effort from volunteers, most of the 40 pilot whales stranded on a Northland beach have been successfully refloated.
Project Jonah, a whale rescue organization, received distress calls around 4.30 pm on Sunday regarding the stranded whales at Ruakākā beach, stated general manager Daren Grover.
Initially, the pod was in shallow waters, and locals tried their best to prevent the stranding. Unfortunately, many whales ended up stranded, Grover mentioned on Sunday evening.
Approximately 200 people rushed to the beach to assist, and by 8 pm, the majority of the whales had been refloated and were under monitoring, as per a Facebook update from Project Jonah.
Tragically, four whales did not survive the stranding.
“We are optimistic that the whales will stay in the ocean, and we will provide updates if the situation changes,” mentioned the Project Jonah post.
“Thanks to our 30 Marine Mammal Medics who responded promptly, the public members who alerted us, and those who offered assistance on the ground.”
Earlier, Grover emphasized that the primary goal of the refloating operation was to ensure the whales’ comfort.
“They are a tight-knit social pod, looking out for each other, calling out to one another. It might be distressing for onlookers, but our focus is on making them comfortable, calming them down, and addressing their immediate needs,” he explained.
This could involve pouring water over them to maintain their body temperature, he added.
He urged everyone at the beach to adhere to Project Jonah and DOC’s instructions.
“Stranded whales are highly stressed and can pose a danger. Not following instructions can result in injuries to individuals,” Grover cautioned.
