New Zealand: Over 50 pilot whales strand near Ngawi

More than 50 pilot whales, a species belonging to the dolphin family, have stranded on the shores and among coastal rocks near the village of Ngawi in the Wairarapa region of New Zealand’s North Island.

Rescue teams, including marine mammal experts, Department of Conservation officials, and volunteers from Project Jonah, are working to assist the survivors. While two whales have been successfully returned to the sea, many others are in critical condition or have already died. Rescuers are attempting to keep the surviving animals hydrated to prevent overheating.

Local Maori communities are participating in the efforts, with plans to hold a karakia, a traditional Maori prayer, for the deceased animals. Scientists suggest that the social nature of these whales, which live in tightly knit groups, may contribute to such mass strandings, as individuals often follow one another into shallow waters. New Zealand experiences an average of 85 whale strandings annually, the highest rate in the world.