11 Whales Rescue In New Zealand, Fear Heavy Casualty

By MALILA Harris

A large number of pod of pilot whales are stranded on the Karikari Peninsula, part of the Aupouri Peninsula in Northland, New Zealand. With much effort already eleven whales have been rescued and refloated. However, doctors are concerned about four of them who are in critical condition. At least 58 whales are reported to be killed.

There are large numbers of rescuers including volunteers from different organizations involved in rescue attempt. Although they were compelled to call off the day last night but from morning they are continuously attempting to refloat the endangered ocean species. Most of the whales have transferred to Maitai Bay on the northeast coast.

A prayer was organized before the transportation operation began. There are around 100 people helping in the rescue mission.

"Eleven have been refloated, of these, seven have swum out to the middle of the harbor but four of them look pretty sick," Department of Conservation spokesman John Hatton said.

He lamented that most of the whales were injured and future lives uncertain. He said whales were given enough time to reorient themselves.