Project Jonah and the Department of Conservation receive a huge number of calls each year from concerned members of the public, reporting that seals are either ill, injured or in serious trouble – but sometimes this isn’t the case. By understanding the unusual quirks and habits of seals, we’re much better placed to help these animals when they really are in need.
Project Jonah and the Department of Conservation receive a huge number of calls each year…
It has been almost three months since February’s mass stranding of pilot whales in Farewell Spit. With time to gather some perspective, we’re reflecting on the sheer magnitude of the event. It was the largest stranding in 99 years and had the largest human response ever. Between 220-250 whales died, but with volunteers help, over 450 whales survived!
It has been almost three months since February’s mass stranding of pilot whales in Farewell…
It’s unnerving to think that each year, hundreds of whales and dolphins strand on the shores of New Zealand. In fact, New Zealand has the highest stranding rate in the world. Some are sick or injured; others are perfectly healthy and need a helping hand back into the water. 300 strand in New Zealand each year and mass stranding can also be common, which can involve 100s of animals at a time. But if you were to see a beached whale how many of us actually know how to help these magnificent marine mammals get back to the water?
It’s unnerving to think that each year, hundreds of whales and dolphins strand on the…
Each year, hundreds of whales and dolphins strand on our shores. Whilst some are sick or injured, others are healthy and just need a helping hand back out to sea. But saving whales isn’t as easy as it looks and successful rescue often depends on properly trained volunteers. That’s where you come in.
Each year, hundreds of whales and dolphins strand on our shores. Whilst some are sick…
Nikki Fothergill is a Project Jonah Marine Mammal Medic who is studying for a Diploma in Marine Studies at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in Tauranga. For her second-year project she surveyed the New Zealand public to measure the level of awareness of Māui dolphins and their plight.