Pilot whales released after being stranded off New Zealand

Nature reserve

Wellington (dpa) – More than 20 flying whales have been returned to deep waters after being again stranded off New Zealand. “Whales are currently swimming freely off the coast and are being watched by a boat from the Nature Conservancy,” Project Jonah said on Tuesday.

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 shied away from the main group, but they can still swim freely, according to a Facebook post in the afternoon.

According to media reports, scientists are trying to find out why such incidents are so common on the Farewell Spit. In February 2017, between 600 and 700 whales were stranded there, 250 of them died. Long-finned pilot whales belong to the dolphin family. Black mammals can reach eight meters in length.

© dpa-infocom, dpa: 210223-99-552613 / 3