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WDC2023-007 NMLC Release (16)

Seal Rescued in Marshfield Released Back Into The Wild

For Immediate Release, May 31, 2023 PLYMOUTH, MA - A young male grey seal that...

Norway ups whale kill numbers and removes whale welfare protections

The whaling season in Norway has begun on the back of disturbing announcements from the...
Image taken from an unmanned hexacopter at >100ft during a research collaboration between NOAA/SWFSC, SR3 and the Coastal Ocean Research Institute. Research authorized by NMFS permit #19091.

Southern Resident orca petition to list them under Oregon Endangered Species Act advanced

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect...
Hysazu Photography

WDC and Conservation Partners Continue to Seek Oregon Endangered Species Protection for Southern Resident Orcas

On Friday, April 21st, the Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission will determine whether the petition...

Rescuers search for orca family after saving stranded calf

An orca calf is receiving medical care in New Zealand after becoming stranded near Wellington yesterday. The whale has been moved to a segregated harbour area while rescue teams search for the juvenile orca's pod. It is hoped the rest of the calf's family are still in the area and they can be reunited.

According to New Zealand rescue organisation Whale Rescue, the orca was found alone at Porirua, near Wellington on Sunday morning. The rescue operation is being led by orca researcher Dr. Ingrid Visser in close collaboration with the New Zealand Department of Conservation and the non-profit organisation Project Jonah. The Department of Conservation stated that the orca is estimated to be only a few months old.

Rescuing an stranded orca calf in New Zealand
Rescuing the stranded orca calf in New Zealand © Whale-Rescue.org

So far, despite several hours of searching by aircraft and boats, the orca's pod has not yet been found.

In the meantime the orca experts have been providing electrolytes and supplements to the whale. Fortunately, the little orca seems to be fine and has responded well and interacted with the team of experts in the water.

Many of the orca families that live around New Zealand are well known to researchers. It is not known why this whale stranded but orcas will sometimes enter shallow water to hunt prey such as stingrays. Even adult orcas have been successfully rescued after becoming stranded, most famously an orca known as Ben.

Update from Sunday 25th: Sadly, the condition of Toa (which means brave or strong in Māori) deteriorated at the end of the week and the calf passed away on Friday. He was buried by the local tribe following an emotional farewell ceremony.

[shariff]

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