Tara Whaanga and Shaavone Brown (Rongowhakaata), joined DoC ranger Jamie Quirk at Waikanae Beach where a pygmy whale, which had beached several times, was euthanised. Picture by Rebecca Grunwell
The Department of Conservation (DoC) humanely euthanised a stranded pygmy whale at Waikanae Beach yesterday.
DoC heritage and visitors senior ranger Moira Lee said the whale had repeatedly beached itself on the Gisborne shoreline.
“The pygmy sperm whale was first reported to DoC when it appeared in the Turunganui river on
Saturday. The agency’s standby ranger investigated and noted the whale appeared unwell, but did not take further action.”
The next morning DoC staff were informed that a marine mammal of similar description had beached at Waikanae, and members of the public were attempting a refloat.
“When DoC staff attended the scene, the animal was already out to sea,” Ms Lee said.
