Press Release
January 7, 2012

Refloated Whales Bring Relief But Call to Stay Watchful

The 18 long-finned pilot whales still alive on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay this morning (subs: January 7, 2012) have been successfully refloated.

The whales were put back into the water on high tide at around 9.00am, thanks to the dedicated and collaborative efforts of Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medics, Department of Conservation staff and members of the public.

“It is a relief to have the whales back where they belong,” says Kimberly Muncaster, Project Jonah CEO.

“At the moment they appear disoriented, but that is not unusual when whales have been on dry land for some time. Hopefully they will gather strength and stability very soon and make their way out to the open ocean.”

More than 40 Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medics answered last night’s call to assist the Department of Conservation in the rescue effort, some coming from as far away as Auckland and Christchurch.

“Their willingness to help at short notice is testament to their commitment to marine mammal welfare, their training and their continual readiness to respond to stranding events,” Kimberly says.

A group of 25 whales stranded at 2.00pm yesterday (subs: January 6) at Triangle Flat. They were part of a pod of about 70 seen close to the beach earlier in the day and volunteers and Department of Conservation staff worked through the night to keep as many alive as possible until high tide this morning. Sadly, seven didn’t make it.

“The ones that have been refloated are not out of the woods yet, either,” Kimberly warns. “In their disoriented state they can easily restrand, so Project Jonah medics in the area and locals should remain on high alert for the next few days and keep informed through the Project Jonah website.”

Locals can also help by checking their beaches and bays regularly over the next week. Both the refloated whales and the remaining members of their pod may still be in the bay and are at risk of stranding. Any beached whales should be reported to the Department of Conservation as soon as possible to give them the best chance of survival.

ENDS

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