More live whales and dolphins get stranded in New Zealand than every other country. During June, the public even beyond New Zealand's borders had held its breath during the nine-hour rescue of the young sperm whale stranded in Timaru. Now, the public interest has led to Project Jonah also stopping by in Timaru to hold a Marine Mammal Medic course.
Participants will be learning how to react in the case of a live stranding, with education on rescue techniques, marine mammal biology, health and safety. First in the classroom, then on the beach itself. Volunteer manager Hawkes points out that techniques on larger whales (beyond 15 metres) are not usually taught, but she expects them to be a major interest point in this setting.
As "saving whales isn't as easy as it looks [...], it's important that people understand the complexity of strandings, why they happen, and what they can do to help.”After the course, the participants will be placed in the national database for future stranding call-outs.
The full article and how to enrol can be found here: https://www.stuff.co.nz/timaru-herald/news/122690387/project-jonah-to-bring-whale-rescue-training-course-to-timaru
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