74 Pilot Whales Stranded on New Zealand Beach

[cory777]

Source: Associated Press

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) -- A pod of 74 pilot whales stranded themselves on a remote northern New Zealand beach -- the second time in a month that a mass beaching has happened in the region, officials said Wednesday.

Twenty-five of the animals were already dead when officials arrived at Spirits Bay beach, Department of Conservation area manager Jonathan Maxwell said. In addition to the 49 still alive and stuck on the beach, another 50 were spotted just offshore, he said.

''We need as many volunteers as possible, as it will be at least until tomorrow (Thursday) before we can look at refloating them, which means caring for them over the next two days,'' he said.

Volunteers from Far North Whale Rescue, conservation officials and the local Maori community were preparing to stay at the beach overnight to help keep the whales alive, Maxwell said. They would have to battle a strong swell and high winds in an effort to refloat the animals Thursday.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/09/22/world/AP-AS-New-Zealand-Whales-Stranded.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

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[truthisfreedom]

1. Madness.

[xchrom]

2. recommend

[Blandocyte]

3. What are marine biologists saying

about this and other beachings? I remember some talk about increases in use of sonar possibly messing with whales' nav systems.

In the meantime, maybe they can breed a co-pilot whale to help the pilot whales avoid these situations.

[NikRik]

4. If they could talk to us.....

Iam sure they would tell us we have brought havok into their home ,pollution,garbage and large oil spills and yes possibly sonar is now another irratation to their surroundings. Since we dont understand why or what can only guess,however my $ is on the human race once again destroying another aspect of our planet ! Very sad :-(
NikRik