WELLINGTON, New Zealand — More than 140 pilot whales died after beaching themselves in southern New Zealand, with half being euthanized by conservation workers in a “deeply saddening” decision after their discovery came too late to rescue them, officials said Monday.
The Department of Conservation said the events are believed to happen when whales make navigational mistakes while chasing prey, escaping predators or trying to protect sick members of the group, but more than one factor could contribute.
Last February, 250 whales died after hundreds became beached at Farewell Spit, one the most common locations for whale strandings in New Zealand. They died after 500 rescuers frantically tried to refloat the animals.