In my previous article titled Helping Stranded Marine Mammals I wrote about what are the stages of stranded marine mammal rescue, and how you can help. And now I will write some interesting facts about strandings and also about your personal safety when rescuing stranded animals.

Lets start with the Facts:

• Department of Conservation responds to about 85 stranding incidents a year.

• Most strandings are of solitary animals.

• Most common stranding species: The common dolphin – Delphinus delphis and Pygmy sperm whale – Kogia breviceps.

• Most common mass strandings species are long-finned pilot whales – Globicephala melas.

• The largest mass stranding in New Zealand was in 1918, in which one thousand whales stranded on  Chatham Islands.

• Maori see dolphins and whales as treasured species. They often get involved in the rescue to ensure that it is being done according to Maori custom.

• Even the largest toothed whale, the sperm whale has been known to mass strand on NZ shores.

Safety during the Rescue

First of all remember that Whale strandings can be dangerous for humans. As I wrote in my previous article, do follow all the instructions DoC staff will give you, and remember that you are responsible for yourself.

• If you arrive at the rescue site after the DoC, report to DoC staff.

• Always work with someone, have at least one partner to be with.

• Don’t come into contact with animals’ body fluids or blowhole exhalent. Marine mammals can carry various diseases.

• Use rubber gloves for handling injured animals.

• Cover any abrasions that you have.

• Stay away from the mouth and tail, since whales can become agitated in stress.

• When in the water – always stay in your comfort zone and also be visible to boats at all times.

• Volunteers who go into the water must be physically fit, healthy and able to swim.

• Don’t forget to drink, take breaks when necessary, use sunscreen and cover you head, and stay warm.

• Remember that you are responsible for your own children!

• If you become ill within two months of handling a marine mammal, advise your GP.

No related posts.

Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.