September 17th 2024.
A young pygmy blue whale had quite the adventure when it was discovered trapped under a wharf on Kawau Island in the Hauraki Gulf, just off the coast of New Zealand's North Island. The whale, measuring approximately 14-15 meters long, was first spotted on Monday morning and quickly became the focus of a rescue effort.
With the help of New Zealand's Department of Conservation staff, as well as representatives from the local iwi community and technical experts, the whale was finally freed by 6pm that evening. The key to its release? Removing the Schoolhouse Bay Wharf that had been keeping it trapped.
Despite the challenging circumstances, everyone involved remained dedicated to the task at hand. Throughout the day, they worked tirelessly to guide the whale out of the channel and back into deeper waters. And their efforts paid off, as the whale was later spotted swimming freely once again.
The Department of Conservation took to Instagram to share the news, calling the whole situation "highly unusual." They also gave a special shout-out to Ngati Manuhiri, a local iwi group, for their crucial help in providing boat support and making important decisions during the rescue.
But the adventure isn't over yet. The Department of Conservation is asking the public to keep an eye out for any whale sightings in the area over the next few days. As they continue to closely monitor the situation, they want to make sure that the whale is safe and doesn't become re-stranded.
This incredible story has been shared with permission from Stuff.co.nz, and serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and preserving our precious marine life.
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