25 January 2012
Our determined volunteers are facing a third day of administering emergency first aid to 35 remaining pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit.
After a pod of 99 whales stranded around midday on Monday, 17 have successfully refloated and made their way out to sea.
Sadly, over the past three days 47 animals have died or are unaccounted for in Golden Bay.
Project Jonah marine mammal medics have shown solid commitment to returning as many whales as possible to the water under extremely difficult conditions.
Many volunteers who camped out in the Farewell Spit carpark over the last two nights are preparing themselves for another day of rescue effort.
“The whales that are still alive this morning are in a reasonable condition, so an attempt to refloat them will be made at high tide today, just before midday,” says Kimberly Muncaster, Project Jonah CEO.
“Unfortunately, they have moved further east, which takes them to the margin of our ability to work with them, but they aren’t beyond reach.”
Limited numbers of volunteers are needed for this third day of rescue work, and Kimberly suggests that they prepare themselves with adequate supplies of clothing, sun protection, food and water, and a wetsuit if possible.
“A check of the Project Jonah stranding advice web page will give volunteers a list of necessary items,” she says.
“With the whales being so far down the spit, people should be well prepared with everything they might need.”
Kimberly also urges people in the Golden Bay and Tasman area to be vigilant and look for signs of a possible restranding of the whales already back in the water.
“Basically, if there are any sightings of pilot whales in or around Golden Bay, people should call 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or 0800 4 WHALE (0800 494 253) immediately,” she says.
“The sooner a stranding is reported to the Department of Conservation, the better the chances for the whales.”
For updates and photos go to Project Jonah's Facebook page
