Whale stranding.

Report sick, injured or dead wildlife

Introduction

What to do if you find a dead bird, beached whale, or other native animals that might need help.

Who to contact

Ring these phone numbers and DOC or MPI will tell you what to do next. If you don't know if an animal is native, still call either DOC or MPI.

If you can't get through on the phone numbers, try again in a few minutes, as the teams may be on other calls. 

For 1 or 2 sick, injured or dead animals

Ring the 24-hour DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). 

For whale or dolphin strandings

Ring the 24-hour DOC emergency hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468).

For a group of 3 or more sick, injured or dead animals

Ring the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) pest and disease hotline on 0800 80 99 66.

For non-native wildlife

For non-native wildlife, contact your local SPCA or a wildlife rehabilitator in your area.

Keeping wildlife

You cannot keep wildlife without a permit from DOC. How to get a wildlife permit.