Source: Department of Conservation
Date: 18 November 2021
The Department of Conservation (DOC) received reports of the whale stranding at Mahia early this morning, with a local ranger responding shortly afterwards. The individual was identified as a 10–12 metre sperm whale.
The whale passed naturally in the early afternoon.
It is not uncommon for whales/dolphins to strand or wash up dead on NZ beaches, mostly during the summer and occasionally in winter. Identifying the exact cause of a stranding can be difficult as there are numerous potential causes.
DOC is working with local iwi on site for preparation and burial of the whale.
Contact
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