Controversies on the way to rescue whales

New Zealand has a long history of large whale strandings, with another 50 pilot whales washed ashore on Farewell Spit just last week. Similarly large is the compassion and willingness to respond to such events in the population. Project Jonah, Marine Mammal Medics, and Whale Rescue are just some of the groups that specialize in rescuing marine mammals and train volunteers. However, though they are all driven by their love for the species and desire to help, big controversies are seething underneath the surface. Questions like “do we continue to care for the animals during the night”, “when should euthanization take place” and “what is the best time and procedure to refloat the animals” have driven passionate volunteers apart and, according to the founder of Whale Rescue Steve Whitehouse, compromise rescue success massively.

In the article “War of whales”, rescue professionals give passionate insights into the conflict, debating on the most successful and human way to rescue marine mammals today.

Whale Rescue founder Steve Whitehouse strongly disapproves of the protocols of his former foundation Project Jonah.