Humpback whale dies after stranding on Warrington Beach near Dunedin

The Department of Conservation received reports that a whale had become stranded on a Dunedin beach on Saturday morning. Photo / Project Jonah and The Department of Conservation

A stranded humpback whale has died on a Dunedin beach despite efforts from rescue teams to save it.

The Department of Conservation (DoC) confirmed that a humpback whale became stranded on Warrington beach on Saturday morning, prompting concern from locals and wildlife enthusiasts.

DoC staff, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Project Jonah and Surf Life Saving New Zealand worked together to attempt to free the whale, which had sustained serious injuries.

In a post on social media, Project Jonah said medics monitored the whale throughout Saturday.

“It was hoped the whale would be able to free itself on the incoming tide, and during this time,” the post read.

“Large, stranded whales, particularly in locations like this, can be extremely difficult to refloat.

It said the whale did not move off the bar, and on Saturday afternoon, DoC staff approached the whale.

“Together we assessed the whale’s health, which showed signs of malnutrition, sickness, and possible physical injury.

“We consulted with several organisations through the International Whaling Commission’s Global Stranding Experts Panel to plan next steps.”

The whale was monitored into the evening, but at first light on Sunday, it was found to have died overnight.

Project Jonah said the whale was already unwell, which was the likely reason it was unable to refloat itself.

Project Jonah said medics monitored the whale throughout Saturday. Photo / Project Jonah and The Department of Conservation

Department of Conservation (DoC) Operations Manager Gabe Davies said humpback whales becoming stranded ashore often indicated the animal was in poor condition.

“Humpback whales are a taonga and are normally found in deep water - when they come ashore like this, it is often because they are unwell,” Davies said.

Davies said working with stranded whales posed a “high risk to people’s safety” which is why staff chose to return to the beach once it was light.

“We are now working with the local council and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki to develop a plan for the respectful relocation of the whale.”