Over 30 beached whales rescued in New Zealand after hundreds of locals show up to help

Over 30 beached pilot whales rescued in New Zealand

Locals quickly mobilized and rescued over 30 pilot whales that found themselves beached in New Zealand.

According to the BBC, a local Maori group lifted the whales on sheets to return them to the ocean with the help of local authorities and residents on Sunday (24 Nov).

Amazing concerted effort to rescue whales

The Maori group Patuharakeke led the rescue efforts that saved over 30 pilot whales on Ruakākā Beach in Northland.

One resident even made a call for help at 11am on Sunday to a local whale-spotting group on Facebook requesting immediate help.

“Massive pilot whale stranding Ruakaka Beach. Need PJ medics and help asap,” the post said. PJ refers to Project Jonah, a non-profit focused on helping marine mammals.

The support and response were immediate, with some locals even asking about how untrained people could help out.

A video circulating online showed about 10 people lifting a whale on multiple sheets in order to return it to the ocean. A single long-finned pilot whale can weigh nearly 2,300kg, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Ceremony conducted for the whales who did not make it

Sadly, despite the efforts, four whales died from the beaching. According to New Zealand’s Department of Conservation, the Patuharakeke stayed at the beach overnight to ensure that no further beaching occurred.

A Maori cultural ceremony was conducted for the three adult whales and one calf that died in the beaching, according to CBS News.

Maori culture sees whales as sacred creatures.

Last year, nearly 100 pilot whales died after they beached in Western Australia.

Also read: Humpback whale sighted in M’sia’s Redang Island for the first time, public reminded to keep distance

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Featured image adapted from Facebook and Facebook.