Story: Whales

Whale strandings in New Zealand, 1978–2004

Whale strandings in New Zealand, 1978–2004

Almost 9,000 whales and dolphins were stranded in New Zealand between 1978 and 2004. Only about a quarter of them were saved. Species included Grey’s beaked whale, the Pygmy sperm whale, the sperm whale, the long-finned pilot whale, and the false killer whale (which is actually a dolphin).

Using this item

Te Ara - The Encyclopedia of New Zealand

This item has been provided for private study purposes (such as school projects, family and local history research) and any published reproduction (print or electronic) may infringe copyright law. It is the responsibility of the user of any material to obtain clearance from the copyright holder.

Source: New Zealand marine mammal stranding database, Dept of Conservation/Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa

All images & media in this story

How to cite this page:

Gerard Hutching, 'Whales - Strandings: whales and dolphins', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/diagram/7110/whale-strandings-in-new-zealand-1978-2004 (accessed 16 April 2024)

Story by Gerard Hutching, published 12 Jun 2006