Story: Whales

Dead pilot whales

Dead pilot whales

In 2004 a pod of 74 pilot whales (from the dolphin family) was stranded on Ōpoutere Beach in the Coromandel. By the time they were discovered, 53 were dead. Eighteen were refloated at high tide. Rescuers, seen here in the distance, worked hard, stroking and comforting the last three. Two were successfully refloated. Those that died were farewelled with a karakia (prayer).

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New Zealand Herald
Reference: 1 December 2004
Photograph by Greg Bowker

Permission of the New Zealand Herald must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

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How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Whales - Strandings: whales and dolphins', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/photograph/7108/dead-pilot-whales (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006