Dolphin carrying dead calf seen in marine sanctuary

Source: NZ Department of Conservation

Date:  20 February 2026

A marine tour operator first saw the dolphin on Wednesday this week, and it has been observed several times since by DOC and members of the public.

DOC’s Senior Marine Species Team Advisor Dave Lundquist says while it is heart breaking to see, this is natural dolphin behaviour.

“Because the presumed mother will be under significant stress, everyone should do their best to give the dolphins space,” Dave says. “The pod will be providing all of the support needed.”

“This behaviour has happened in waters around the country before, including in the same area in 2019, and Whangarei in 2011. The cause of the calf’s death is unknown, but it may have been stillborn or died shortly after birth.”

DOC asks anyone who may find the calf after it has been abandoned to call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) so DOC can take samples from the remains. The dolphin may continue carrying the calf for days or weeks.

The Te Pēwhairangi Marine Mammal Sanctuary rules require all vessels to stay 300 m or more away from marine mammals, including dolphins once observed, and to remain stopped until they are at least that far away. No one is allowed in the water within 300 m of a marine mammal. There is also a 5-knot speed limit in safe zones located around the Sanctuary.

Outside of the sanctuary, DOC asks everyone to follow the rules for sharing our waters with marine mammals.

Bottlenose dolphins are classified as Nationally Vulnerable. The number of dolphins regularly present in the Te Pēwhairangi/Bay of Islands has declined in the past, with high calf mortality rates and high levels of vessel interactions. The Sanctuary was set up to reduce these vessel-based pressures.

Marine mammals like bottlenose dolphins are protected under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978.

For more information about bottlenose dolphins: Bottlenose dolphin: New Zealand marine mammals

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