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More than 100 pilot whales die on New Zealand beach | |
(about 13 hours later) | |
Rescuers are racing against the clock to refloat about 90 stranded pilot whales after more than 100 died on a beach on New Zealand's South Island. | |
The rescuers and volunteers at Farewell Spit, Golden Bay, managed to shepherd many mammals into deeper water, only for them to again run aground. | |
Conservation officials believe they have one last chance to refloat the whales on the high tide. | |
If that fails, the mammals may have to be put down. | |
The rescuers are now trying to keep the distressed whales comfortable by pouring water over them. | |
Those mammals who died are believed to have suffered great physical and emotional trauma. | |
Local conservation ranger Mike Ogle said it is the biggest beaching incident in 10-15 years. | |
"Because there's just so many whales, there are a couple of spots where a lot would gather together and that's kind of problematic from the aspect that you can't get in there, it's just too dangerous," he said. | |
Farewell Spit has been the location of many whale beachings. | |
Experts say its shallow waters seems to confuse whales and hinder their ability to navigate. | Experts say its shallow waters seems to confuse whales and hinder their ability to navigate. |
Once they are stranded, whales can suffer from dehydration and sunburn. | Once they are stranded, whales can suffer from dehydration and sunburn. |
Pilot whales can grow to about 20ft (6 metres) and are the most common species of whale in New Zealand's waters. | Pilot whales can grow to about 20ft (6 metres) and are the most common species of whale in New Zealand's waters. |
Andrew Lamason from the Department Of Conservation said it could take days to refloat the whales and even then there would be no guarantees they would survive. | Andrew Lamason from the Department Of Conservation said it could take days to refloat the whales and even then there would be no guarantees they would survive. |
"We've had plenty times in the past where the pods have gone out to sea and turned around and come back again," Mr Lamason said. "We're preparing for a big few days." | "We've had plenty times in the past where the pods have gone out to sea and turned around and come back again," Mr Lamason said. "We're preparing for a big few days." |
Scientists do not know what causes groups of whales to beach themselves. | Scientists do not know what causes groups of whales to beach themselves. |