A Bryde's whale was stranded and died on a sandbar at Golden Bay Beach, New Zealand. Photo by Yonhap News
[Asia Economy Reporter Hana Na] A large whale weighing 30 tons was stranded on a beach sandbar and died in New Zealand.
According to New Zealand media, on the 5th (local time), a Bryde's whale, a type of large whale, was stranded on a beach sandbar in Golden Bay at the northern tip of the South Island around 5 p.m. the previous day, unable to escape in a precarious situation.
People who found the immobilized Bryde's whale immediately began rescue efforts, but it died around 9 p.m.
Darren Grover, head of the whale rescue volunteer group 'Project Jonah,' said that nearby residents quickly rushed out to help with the rescue, and Department of Conservation staff were contacted and arrived at the scene within 45 minutes.
Mike Ogle, a biodiversity ranger from the New Zealand Department of Conservation, stated that about 30 Department of Conservation staff and volunteers sprayed water on the whale's body until night to keep its body temperature cool, but it ultimately died.
He said, "We do not know why the whale came ashore, but there were no signs of injury or shock, and it appeared to be maintaining a very healthy weight."
The deceased Bryde's whale was reported to be about 17 meters in length and weigh approximately 30 tons.
Meanwhile, last week in New Zealand, over 100 pilot whales and dolphins were stranded and died on the sandbars of the Chatham Islands beaches.
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