New Zealand
1News

Injured orca freed from crayfish line after being tangled for days

December 27, 2019
Workers attempt to free orca trapped in crayfish line.

Workers attempt to free orca trapped in crayfish line. (Source: 1 NEWS)

An injured orca has been freed from crayfish line after being tangled for days.

The Department of Conservation confirmed the news to 1 NEWS just before 5pm.

A team of rescuers had been working to untangle the orca near Auckland's Waiheke Island after it was initially caught up in the fishing line near Whangarei Harbour on Monday this week.

Dr Cat Peters from the Department of Conservation says they managed to get the orca free by attaching inflatable buoys to the animal to tire him out and then "reaching out and gently cutting away the line".

The orca has suffered injury but is now swimming strongly and looks like he will "make a recovery" says Dr Peters.


New ZealandAnimalsConservation

SHARE ME

More Stories

It is pukake season in Otago, where the sea lions gather over the winter months

New Zealand sea lion pup hit and killed by vehicle

Department of Conservation calls on drivers to be vigilant after a native pakake pup was found dead on Hoopers Inlet Road in Dunedin.

Fri, May 29

A red deer stag (file image).

'An ongoing issue': Prize stags shot on private land in Otago

Two people are being referred to Youth Justice and the recovered antlers are being returned to the owners.

Wed, May 27

Velma the dog at home in her garden.

Woman hit with $4k vet bill after neighbour's cat injured by her dog

Rebecca said the cat had wandered into her yard while Velma was outside.

Tue, May 26

4:51

Labrador attacked by group of dogs on Palmerston North walking track

Labrador attacked by group of dogs on Palmerston North walking track

"I just wanted to get Levi away from the dogs, I did not think about anything else."

Tue, May 26

A litter of 11 roaming puppies was impounded by Masterton District Council, just one of more than 1600 dog-related callouts last year. The puppies here are from a separate litter at Masterton SPCA. (Source: File)

Eleven roaming puppies impounded in Masterton

The puppies' parent had previously been impounded by the council, who advised it be desexed – but that advice was obviously not followed.

Tue, May 12

The hammer fell at $161,000 for Tangihau U418 at last year's East Coast bull sales setting a national price record.

Record-breaking $161,000 bull worth every cent, owner says

Wairarapa farmer Keith Higgins last year paid $161,000 for an Angus bull from a renowned stud.

Mon, May 11

Latest

Popular

6 mins ago

Moana Pasifika defiant to the end as they shock Brumbies

Faletoi Peni of Moana Pasifika carries the ball against the Brumbies in Canberra.

30 mins ago

Coronet Peak opens early thanks to South Island first 'snow factory'

2:23

The Queenstown ski field is banking on new snowmaking technology to extend its season and take the uncertainty out of winter as climate variability continues to bite.

11:53am

Trump set to headline US 250th anniversary fair after artists drop out

President Donald Trump looks out the window of his limousine at the construction in Lafayette Park as he departs the White House, Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Washington.

11:25am

'Significant weather event' forecast as warnings expand across NZ

A person with an umbrella standing in a storm.

10:55am

Blues sunk by Chiefs but 'lucky loser' semifinal place looms

The Chiefs celebrate a try during their final round victory over the Blues in Hamilton in front of a dejected looking Zarn Sullivan.

10:41am

Willis: Banks would be 'unwise' to pass new levy onto customers

32:37

Willis presented her third and final Budget of this parliamentary term on Thursday.
1
2
3
4
5
6

More from Entertainment

Jeremy Clarkson was shown in a hospital bed during the latest season of Clarkson's Farm.

Clarkson’s Farm’s Jeremy Clarkson was ‘days’ away from dying

The UK broadcaster and TV personality said he survived the close-shave thanks to scrolling on his phone, and stated if it wasn't for this he wouldn’t have noticed the signs.

Saturday 3:31pm

Celebrity Tipping Point host Daniel Faitaua.

Celebrity Tipping Point NZ drops into primetime with Christchurch special

Host Daniel Faitaua says the giant coin-pusher machine has a mind of its own as Kiwi celebrities compete for charity cash in the local version of the hit format.

Saturday 6:00am

Prime Minister, a documentary about Jacinda Ardern's life as the leader of NZ, has won an Emmy.

Jacinda Ardern documentary wins Emmy Award

Fri, May 29

Dame Lynda Topp at the Aotearoa Music Awards.

Dame Lynda Topp blasts Government in awards show speech

Fri, May 29

Nix Adams won Celebrity Treasure Island 2026.

'Struggle after struggle': Celebrity Treasure Island 2026 winner

Thu, May 28