In New Zealand, 400 species of whales got stranded. Made a desperate effort to save at least part of them.
At least 250 whales were already dead when they were found by the rescuers of the 400 found on the shore. Rescuers tried to save about 100 whales in the mid-morning, about 50 of which returned to the sea. However, whales that were released once again stranded in the same place in 5 hours.
Hundreds of local residents joined rescue workers to save the whales, said the Department of community Ranger Kath. According to rescue, the area regularly holds whales on the shore and many residents have been trained in how to keep the animal comfortable and to help them on the rocks. "A lot of people were there rather quickly, and already had the knowledge and skills to effectively help."
Volunteers and rescuers will work overnight. The whales were first spotted in the water late on Thursday evening, with the help of a staff member before he was found on the shore on Friday morning. The biggest whale in New Zealand was discovered in 1918 when 1000 whales stranded on the Chatham Islands. The second largest was in Auckland in 1985 when 450 whales were on the beach.
sections: Society, World News |