Whale dies after becoming stranded at Mahia Peninsula
A sperm whale has died after becoming stranded at Mahia Peninsula in Hawke’s Bay this morning.
DOC received reports of the whale stranding at Mahia early this morning, with a local ranger responding shortly afterwards. The individual was identified as a 10-12 metre sperm whale.
The whale passed naturally in the early afternoon.
It is not uncommon for whales/dolphins to strand or wash up dead on NZ beaches, mostly during the summer and occasionally in winter. Identifying the exact cause of a stranding can be difficult as there are numerous potential causes.
DOC is working with local iwi on-site for preparation and burial of the whale.
