A juvenile pilot whale stranded on a Christchurch beach has been euthanised.
The Department of Conservation told 1News it was alerted to a lone whale – measuring 2.5m to 3m long –stranded on Birdlings Flat around 8.30am.
Conservation staff, the Christchurch City Council, Te Taumutu Rūnanga and Wairewa Rūnanga representatives, locals and medics worked for hours to try and move the whale back into the water.
In an update this afternoon, marine mammal rescue charity Project Jonah said the whale had been euthanised.
“The difficult decision was made after refloating was not possible due to very challenging conditions, including a steep beach, large dumpy waves and no vehicle or boat access,” Project Jonah said on social media.
“The whale had been out of the water for several hours, had spent some time being rolled in the incoming tide and was highly stressed. This decision was not made lightly, and the animal’s welfare was front and centre.”
Project Jonah said Department of Conservation staff have confirmed no other pilot whales have been seen in the area.
Anyone who discovered a marine mammal in distress was urged to call DOC on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468), or Project Jonah on 0800 4 WHALE (0800 4 94253).
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