An estimated 1 month old Minke whale was found stranded on the west coast, which was transported by road about 130 km in a three- hour trip to Tutukaka Harbour on the east coast. Heavy surf on the open west coast beach made refloating there impossible. When refloated into the water at Tutukaka it was lively and vocalising, however a veterinarian determined that it was too young to survive.
During the journey from the West to East coast the young Minke whale was accompanied at all times by two volunteers who kept the whale calm and wet. It was alert and watching its carers. The whale was 4 metres long and a Whangarei vet determined that it was too young to survive without its mother. Therefore the difficult decision was made by the Department of Conservation that it would be euthanased.
The body was frozen and sent to Massey University for a necropsy.
| Name | Minke Whale |
|---|---|
| Image |
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| Suborder | Mysticeti |
| Family | Balaenopteridae |
| Max. size - Male | 10.2 m (33 ft) |
| Max. size - Female | 9.4 m (31 ft) |
| Calf size | 3 m (10 ft) |
| Max. weight - Male | 10 tons |
| Max. weight - Female | 10 tons |
| Calf weight | 450 kg (1000 lb) |
| Food | krill, small fish, copepods |
| Latin name | Balaenoptera acutorostrata |
| Location | Omamari, Northland |
|---|---|
| Latitude | -35.85034 |
| Longitude | 173.64438 |
| Number of Whales | 1 |
Ingrid has attended numerous mass and individual strandings. She is experienced in sampling and data collection at these events, and in the use of refloatation Rescue Pontoons and other rescue equipment. She has served on the Board and was a trainer for another stranding rescue group.
Floppy has attended multiple mass and individual strandings. She is experienced in the use of refloatation Rescue Pontoons and other rescue equipment. Floppy has served on the Board of another stranding rescue group where she was also a trainer and area coordinator.
From a background as the NZ Whale Rescue Coordinator and a Fisheries Officer, Steve went on to design and implement both the Marine Mammal Medic (MMM) course, including full procedure manuals and the Whale Rescue Refloatation Pontoon System in the 1980s. Originally designed to train DoC staff and authorities in effective whale rescue techniques, Steve later redeveloped the MMM course for the layperson.
Whale Rescue is a volunteer organisation, run by volunteers. There are lots of different ways that you can help us to continue rescuing whales and dolphins.