A humpback whale that became stranded near Warrington Beach, north of Dunedin, has died despite efforts to save it.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) said it received a report on Saturday morning of the whale, estimated to be between 8 and 10 metres long, stranded and injured on the beach.
DOC worked alongside Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Project Jonah, and Surf Life Saving New Zealand in attempts to free the animal.
“Humpback whales are a taonga and are normally found in deep water. When they come ashore like this, it is often because they are unwell,” a DOC spokesperson said.
Because of the risks involved with working in darkness, the decision was made to return to the site at first light.
A DOC spokesperson said they arrived this morning to sadly find it deceased. They are working with Cargill Contracting to relocate the whale.
DOC said more details will be shared as they become available.
