Overview
- More than 50 pilot whales stranded on Thursday across two locations at Farewell Spit on New Zealand’s South Island.
- Project Jonah says 15 animals that had been stranded are now swimming freely in Golden Bay, with survivors still in the tidal zone showing encouraging behavior.
- At least six whales have died since the initial stranding, according to the latest update.
- Volunteers stood down by 10pm and are set to return in the morning alongside Department of Conservation staff to continue care and monitoring.
- Authorities describe Farewell Spit as a natural whale trap with gently sloping tidal flats and rapidly falling tides that can confuse pods.