Department of Conservation marine ranger Jim Fyfe (left),
University of Otago master's student Marta Guerra and
Associate Prof Steve Dawson examine a dead newborn
long-finned pilot whale in Dunedin yesterday. Photo by
Craig Baxter.
A newborn long-finned pilot whale found in Oamaru Harbour
at the weekend will help the next generation of marine
scientists learn about the species which most often washes up
on New Zealand beaches.
The 1.7m-long newborn had to be put down as it had become
separated from its mother and could not survive on its own,
Department of Conservation marine ranger Jim Fyfe said.
It had been brought to Dunedin for examination by Doc and
University of Otago marine scientist Associate Prof Steve
Dawson.
Prof Dawson said that they could tell it was a female as it
still had the fetal folds from being curled up in its
mother's womb and it had a droopy dorsal fin.
"Mortality at this age is common. If they lose their mum,
they have no chance."
Long-finned pilot whales were those most frequently found in
mass strandings but, fortunately, this was the only one to be
found this time, Prof Dawson said.
Normally, they were deep water dwellers which ate squid.
The whale would be transferred to the university's marine
laboratory, where it would be used to teach marine biology
and behaviour students.
Any information gained from the whale would be shared with
the Department of Conservation.
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