Pilot whales released after being stranded off New Zealand
Feb 23, 2021 11:35 am
Wellington (dpa) Why do whales in New Zealand always roam a certain beach area? The reasons are still not clear. However, helpers have now managed to bring more than 20 animals back to safety.
More than 20 pioneer whales have been returned to deep waters after being stranded again off New Zealand.
More than 20 pioneer whales have been returned to deep waters after being stranded again off New Zealand. Project Jonah announced Tuesday that whales are currently swimming freely off the coast and being monitored by a conservation agency boat.
On Monday, about 50 animals were stranded on the Farewell Spit head. Many of them died, but about 28 of them survived the night.
However, aides found this group on Tuesday in the same area off the South Island, Pacific state. Volunteers formed a human chain to propel whales into deeper waters. A small group has moved away from the main group, but they can still swim freely, according to Facebook that afternoon.
According to media reports, scientists are trying to find out why such accidents are so common on the Farewell Spit. In February 2017, between 600 and 700 whales were stranded there, 250 of whom died. Long-finned pilot whales are part of the dolphin family. Black mammals can reach eight meters in length.
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