8 January 2012
We are thrilled to report that as of 12 noon today there have been no reported re-sightings of the 18 long-finned pilot whales that were released back into the ocean yesterday after stranding on Farewell Spit in Golden Bay.
Our medics worked tirelessly alongside Department of Conservation staff to refloat the whales on yesterday's high tide. We then continued to monitor the whales from boats over the next 12 hours, helping to correct their course as they struggled to recover strength and find direction.
Project Jonah CEO Kimberly Muncaster says, "We had a few nervous hours yesterday waiting for the whales to regain their stability and figure out which way to go."
Several times the whales headed back towards shore, moving dangerously close to the treacherous mudflats towards the far end of the Spit. Through quick action we were able to shepherd them out of danger and towards the middle of the bay.
The seven whales that were discovered dead on Saturday morning have been pulled above the high tide mark. Blubber samples and measurements are currently being taken and local Iwi have been contacted to perform a karakia.
The surviving whales, however, are not out of danger yet. Kimberly urges people in or around Golden Bay to be vigilant and look for signs of a possible restranding. Any pilot whale sightings should be reported to 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or 0800 4 WHALE (0800 494 253) immediately.
The efforts of everyone involved, and in particular Project Jonah medics, helped to achieve what looks to be a successful outcome.
Kimberly, who's on the ground at Golden Bay, says it was great to see such a good turnout of Project Jonah volunteers and fantastic to watch them put their Project Jonah training to good use in support of the Department of Conservation’s stranding response.
For updates and photos go to
Project Jonah's Facebook page.
