Experts working to save an abandoned orca calf in Bay of Plenty waters are intervening after attempts to find its family failed.
The Orca Tactical Response Group, are looking at building a sea pen, which would reduce stress to the calf from strong tidal flows.
The young orca, affectionately nicknamed ''Bob'' by locals, had been swimming in Bay waters since July 19, though DOC had not disclosed the location of the calf for fear of attracting onlookers.
Orca experts Dr Ingrid Visser and Jeff Foster tried to feed the calf, but were unsuccessful and the orca had become emaciated.
A respiratory sample and DNA sample have been collected from the orca and results should be available soon.