Dolphin Moko saves stranded whales
12 Mar 2008
Moko the dolphin, has saved two pygmy sperm whales from certain death on the East Coast of New Zealand.
The playful dolphin, who has set up home around Mahia, helped a Department of Conservation (DOC) worker Malcolm Smith refloat the mother whale and her one-year-old male calf.
"It was amazing. It was like she grabbed them by the flipper and led them to safety," Mr Smith said.
Stranded whales
Mr Smith had received a call earlier in the week to say two whales had stranded on the south end of Mahia Beach.
Usually when pygmy sperm whales strand they end up dying, or they are refloated only to strand again later in the day and die.
"We worked for over an hour to try to get them back out to sea. . . but they kept getting disorientated and stranding again."
After about four unsuccessful refloating attempts it was becoming highly likely the pair would have to be euthanised.
Escort dolphin
"The whales were getting tired and I was getting cold when Moko turned up. She just came straight for us and escorted the two whales along the beach and out through the channel," Smith said.
"The whales were sitting on the surface of the water quite distressed, they had arched their backs and were calling to one another, but as soon as the dolphin turned up they submerged into the water and followed her."
Moko led the whales about 200m along the beach towards the headland, then led the pair all the way out to sea.
Amazing nature
"The things that happen in nature never cease to amaze me. It was looking like it was going to be a bad outcome for the whales which was very disappointing and then Moko just came along and fixed it."
Mr Smith said it was quite possible Moko had heard the whales calling.
"She obviously gave them enough guidance to leave the area because we haven't seen them since."
Moko, however, was soon back. The playful dolphin swam straight back close to shore to play with local residents.
More information:
New Zealand dolphins
New Zealand's dolphin tales
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