Race is on to save 200 beached whales on coast of New Zealand

Almost 200 pilot whales have become stranded on a beach in New Zealand. Two dozen of the animals have already died, despite the efforts of volunteers who have flocked to the remote Farewell Spit on South Island to help. It is feared that more of the whales could die, even if rescuers manage to re-float them.

We’ve had plenty times in the past where the pods have gone out to sea and turned around and come back again. We’re preparing for a big few days.

Andrew Lamason New Zealand’s Department of Conservation

Whale strandings are common in New Zealand but experts say this is the largest in more than a decade. They describe Farewell Spit as a whale trap because its shallow waters seem to confuse the animals and reduce their ability to navigate.

pilot whales Asia-Pacific