Decision made to euthanise stranded whale
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
A difficult decision has been made to humanely euthanise the stranded humpback whale at Ripiro Beach, outside Dargaville.Date: 07 August 2018
This decision was made in consultation with the local iwi Te Rorora and Te Uri o Hau, Project Jonah and other whale stranding experts.
DOC Operations Manager Stephen Stoole said the attempts to re-float the whale had been unsuccessful. The whale’s condition was deteriorating, she was in distress and unlikely to survive.
Two humpback whales stranded on Sunday 5 August with the younger whale passing away Monday 7 August.
“Those with the whales did all they could to keep them comfortable and attempt refloating. A big thanks to Te Roroa, Te Uri o Hau, Project Jonah, Ingrid Visser and her team and Northland locals who worked alongside DOC staff to help the whales as much as possible. This is a sad outcome and a decision not taken lightly.”
