4 d. ago Fake dolphins and frantic digging: the army of helpers learning to rescue New Zealand’s stranded whales

A vast network of volunteers leap into action to save beached creatures in New Zealand, a global hotspot for strandingsOn a blustery March day in Wellington, a group of would-be whale rescuers wearing wetsuits and hi-vis vests are waist deep in the chilly waters of Scorching Bay. Between them, a two-tonne replica of a pilot whale gently rocks in the swell.On the sand, another group pours buckets of water over a replica dolphin, while some dig away the sand from beneath its fins. Occasionally, a trainer reminds students to stand back from the tail – if this were a real animal the tail could deliver an unexpected blow. Continue reading...

Events

1 week ago Canada’s Marineland to rehome its whales and dolphins as it seeks a buyer

Conservationists voice concern that the Ontario theme park will struggle to find suitable homes for its animalsCanada’s embattled Marineland theme park is to raise money to “expeditiously” remove animals from its grounds, including the world’s largest captive beluga population, as it looks for a buyer. But a lack of available sanctuaries in the country suggests finding a home for stranded whales, dolphins and pinnipeds will be a daunting task.In February, the park won approval to divide its sprawling property so it can take out mortgages on separate parcels, with the aim of using the funds to keep the park operating and to move the animals. In documents filed to the city of Niagara, Marineland said the financing it had secured “requires the owner to remove the marine animals from the property expeditiously”. Continue reading...

Politics

3 w. ago Whale stranded on Scots beach died with plastic and rope in stomach

Locals removed 433 feet of entangled rope from the whale as the battled to save it.

Events

3 w. ago Huge 50ft sperm whale dies after becoming tangled in ropes and stranding on the isle of Skye

A sperm whale has died after becoming tangled in ropes and stranding on a Scottish island.

Events

3 w. ago Whale entangled in ropes on Scots island dies after stranding

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) team removed five ropes from the whale on Saturday but some remained around its head.

Events

3 w. ago Whale entangled in ropes stranded on Scots island prompts huge rescue effort

A whale has washed up on Raasay after it was spotted entangled in ropes off Skye last week.

Events