Farewell Coast Spit: Pilot whales stranded off New Zealand

Dozens of long-finned whales are stranded on the New Zealand coast. Nine animals have already died. Over 60 helpers fight for the survival of the animals.

Off New Zealand’s southern island, more than 50 longfin fly whales have entered the shallow waters – and nine animals have already died. The local Nature Conservation Agency announced that several helpers tried to cool the animals until the tide began.

Time and again mass delinquency in front of the farewell spit

It remains unclear why the whales are stranded. There has been more mass delinquency in the Farewell Spit in recent years. Scientists suspect, among other things, that the waters are particularly shallow at this point, which could disrupt the orientation of the animals.

The last time 650 pioneer whales were trapped on the Farewell Spit four years ago, more than 350 animals perished. Long-finned pilot whales belong to the family of dolphins and can grow up to eight meters in length. Usually they are seen near the coast.