{"id":2630,"date":"2025-07-09T02:47:36","date_gmt":"2025-07-09T02:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/captainnews.info\/?p=2630"},"modified":"2025-07-09T02:47:36","modified_gmt":"2025-07-09T02:47:36","slug":"fake-dolphins-and-frantic-digging-the-army-of-helpers-learning-to-rescue-new-zealands-stranded-whales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/captainnews.info\/?p=2630","title":{"rendered":"Fake dolphins and frantic digging: the army of helpers learning to rescue New Zealand\u2019s stranded whales"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"dcr-1fnjjtg\" data-gu-name=\"standfirst\">\n<div class=\"dcr-cj4vxp\">\n<p>A vast network of volunteers leap into action to save beached creatures in New Zealand, a global hotspot for strandings<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<aside class=\"dcr-1fnjjtg\" data-gu-name=\"meta\">\n<div class=\"dcr-14emo0l\">\n<div class=\"dcr-ich95x\">\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\"><span class=\"dcr-15rw6c2\">O<\/span>n 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">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 \u2013 if this were a real animal the tail could deliver an unexpected blow.<\/p>\n<div id=\"sign-in-gate\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">The animals are so life-like beachgoers run to check on them, prompting assurances from trainers they are just models to teach people how to respond if a whale or dolphin strands.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">New Zealand is a\u00a0global hotspot for whale strandings, with hundreds beaching along the country\u2019s extensive coastline each year. In most countries, strandings are primarily managed by government agencies but in New Zealand, a unique cultural phenomenon plays out \u2013 a vast nationwide network of trained volunteers leaps into action to assist in the rescue of stranded whales.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"2230cec0-2902-4bea-ae65-3dab856718d0\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\">\n<div id=\"img-2\" class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><picture class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dcr-evn1e9\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/dacc82b540bdb4c61ea908f5aa3381c61e88f96b\/0_0_6720_4480\/master\/6720.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" alt=\"This handout photograph taken on October 8, 2022 and received on October 12 courtesy of Tamzin Henderson shows the carcasses of stranded pilot whales, some of hundreds that were found beached, on the west coast of New Zealand\u2019s remote Chatham Islands. - About 500 pilot whales have died in mass strandings on New Zealand\u2019s remote Chatham Islands, the government said on October 12 after ruling out a rescue effort in the area\u2019s shark-filled waters. (Photo by TAMZIN HENDERSON \/ COURTESY OF TAMZIN HENDERSON \/ AFP) \/ RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY CREDIT \u201cAFP PHOTO \/ COURTESY OF TAMZIN HENDERSON \u201c - NO MARKETING - NO ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS - DISTRIBUTED AS A SERVICE TO CLIENTS (Photo by TAMZIN HENDERSON\/COURTESY OF TAMZIN HENDERSON\/AFP via Getty Images)\" width=\"445\" height=\"296.66666666666663\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><button class=\"open-lightbox dcr-4tmywn\" type=\"button\" data-element-id=\"2230cec0-2902-4bea-ae65-3dab856718d0\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-194i6pr\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"dcr-1tx6u99\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\"><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">In 2022, about 500 pilot whales died in mass stranding on New Zealand\u2019s remote Chatham Islands.<\/span>\u00a0Photograph: Tamzin Henderson\/Courtesy of Tamzin Henderson\/AFP\/Getty Images<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">The volunteers put their lives on hold and work with officials who lead the whale rescues, which can require hundreds of hands on deck.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"5a402213-3600-4b50-a563-e6a70e064bef\" class=\"dcr-1your1i\" data-spacefinder-role=\"richLink\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.RichLinkBlockElement\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1kyw41h\" data-print-layout=\"hide\" data-link-name=\"rich-link-6 | 6\" data-component=\"rich-link\">\n<div class=\"dcr-16grig1\" data-format-theme=\"0\" data-format-design=\"0\" data-format-display=\"0\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1lhuo3r\"><\/div>\n<div><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"dcr-1e3yjba\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/ffeb962242bd0cd04dcfb019521391bc1f807483\/0_0_2500_1500\/master\/2500.jpg?width=460&amp;quality=85&amp;auto=format&amp;fit=max&amp;s=cb1cc4d7bc86c8b08277d6b743f80415\" alt=\"Composite picture of the blobfish in its normal shape underwater on one side, and distorted by being removed from the water on the other\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1500\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-ut4tvs\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1h5b6rb\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1dgt1gs\">Once named world\u2019s ugliest animal, blobfish wins New Zealand\u2019s fish of the year<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-eurq8n\">\n<div class=\"dcr-fkf7vq\">Read more<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Mark Rounce, a wastewater engineer from nearby Nelson, is one of New Zealand\u2019s most dedicated rescue volunteers<strong>.<\/strong>\u00a0His journey as a helper began one summer evening a decade ago, when 200 pilot whales stranded at New Zealand\u2019s notorious \u201cwhale trap\u201d \u2013 a long narrow spit at the top of the South Island, where mass strandings are frequent.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Over the next few days, more than 500 people \u2013 families, tourists and marine specialists \u2013 gathered and attempted to re-float the ink-black animals dotting the shallows like polished obsidian.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Rounce and his daughter<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>were among them, despite never having attended a stranding before. They tended to a whale for hours \u2013 cooling it with water and making it comfortable. When it came time to re-float the animal, they did not have the appropriate gear and as such, were ordered off the beach before the rescue was finished.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cFor days afterwards I was quite shaken up \u2013 did my whale survive?\u201d he recalls. The experience prompted Rounce and his daughter to sign up for a one-day course that would equip them with the knowledge to see a whale rescue through.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"976df30b-2e2b-4729-98ae-2441722866a9\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\">\n<div id=\"img-3\" class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><picture class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dcr-evn1e9\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/0aadfc10664bbd85b2f8e42539879c1538f02e2f\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" alt=\"Seasoned volunteer Mark Rounce at the Project Jonah Whale rescue workshop on Sat March 1st 2025 at Scorching Bay, Wellington, New Zealand. Photo copyright Mark Coote for The Guardian.\" width=\"445\" height=\"296.70374999999996\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><button class=\"open-lightbox dcr-4tmywn\" type=\"button\" data-element-id=\"976df30b-2e2b-4729-98ae-2441722866a9\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-194i6pr\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"dcr-1tx6u99\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\"><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Mark Rounce at Project Jonah\u2019s whale rescue workshop in Scorching Bay, Wellington in March 2025.<\/span>\u00a0Photograph: Mark Coote\/Photo \u00a9 Mark Coote<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Since then, Rounce has attended nine strandings and volunteers his time to help Project Jonah \u2013 a charity that trains marine mammal medics and advocates for the marine environment. It works closely alongside the Department of Conservation to respond to strandings. More than 5,000 New Zealanders have taken Project Jonah\u2019s one-day course so they can assist in strandings.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cYou get all walks of life turning up,\u201d Rounce says. \u201cNo one asks what your political views are, or what your religion is, everyone just wants to pitch in and help.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cIf the world could live like we do when we\u2019re involved in a stranding, we would have no problems.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">New Zealand was one of the first countries to pioneer rescue and response programmes for strandings, says Louisa Hawkes, a biologist and one of two full-time staff running Project Jonah. This legacy, alongside the unique volunteer-based model, makes New Zealand\u2019s stranding response internationally renowned, she says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cI don\u2019t know of many courses where you can go from not knowing the head or tail of a whale, to being able to help look after a whale and empower people to do the same in a day,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Overseas, a stranding is deemed large if its 10-30 animals, Hawkes says. \u201cFor us its over a hundred.\u201d Responding to such events would be impossible without the hundreds of volunteers, she says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cWe are still grass roots \u2013 we couldn\u2019t do this without people who are willing to put their life on pause and help.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"0094c627-c3d6-44a7-8aa4-1e704dc85019\" class=\"dcr-5h0uf4\" data-spacefinder-role=\"showcase\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\">\n<div id=\"img-4\" class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><picture class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=880&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1300px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=880&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 1300px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=800&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 1140px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 1140px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=800&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 1140px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=640&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 980px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 980px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=640&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 980px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dcr-evn1e9\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/20ee8c953d44779256365a7539808a8b334b4610\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" alt=\"Project Jonah whale rescuers pick up skills at the workshop at Scorching Bay.\" width=\"445\" height=\"296.70374999999996\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><button class=\"open-lightbox dcr-4tmywn\" type=\"button\" data-element-id=\"0094c627-c3d6-44a7-8aa4-1e704dc85019\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-194i6pr\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"dcr-16a696t\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\"><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">Project Jonah whale rescuers pick up skills at the workshop at Scorching Bay.<\/span> Photograph: Mark Coote\/Photo \u00a9 Mark Coote<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">In some cases, scientists are able to determine why a whale has stranded, be it illness or injury. But in many events it is unclear and pinpointing the reasons why is an ongoing field of research, says Karen Stockin, marine ecology professor at Massey University.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">In New Zealand, the long coastline, a large diversity of whale and dolphin species and long-sloping coastal geography can contribute. Social and behavioural factors can also play a role \u2013 if a head of a pod becomes disoriented, others may follow.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Stockin says researchers also regularly look to whether human activity is a factor, be it from underwater disturbances by ships, or nutritional distress that may be linked to over-fishing or climate change.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">New Zealand has \u201ca gumboots-and-all response to whale strandings,\u201d Stockin says. She puts this down to the population\u2019s close proximity to the ocean and desire to spend time at the beach over summer, which also coincides with the peak stranding season.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cIt is a cultural thing, there is no doubt about that.\u201d<\/p>\n<figure id=\"f9203f6a-f31b-4fe0-9c0b-e7205c8b33f1\" class=\"dcr-173mewl\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\" data-spacefinder-type=\"model.dotcomrendering.pageElements.ImageBlockElement\">\n<div id=\"img-5\" class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><picture class=\"dcr-evn1e9\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 660px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=620&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 660px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 480px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=605&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 480px)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=2&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px) and (-webkit-min-device-pixel-ratio: 1.25), (min-width: 320px) and (min-resolution: 120dpi)\" \/><source srcset=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" media=\"(min-width: 320px)\" \/><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"dcr-evn1e9\" src=\"https:\/\/i.guim.co.uk\/img\/media\/bc49d5ae207d94e28bd072b8f5c730ba5be1d678\/0_0_4000_2667\/master\/4000.jpg?width=445&amp;dpr=1&amp;s=none&amp;crop=none\" alt=\"A Project Jonah whale rescue workshop under way at Scorching Bay, Wellington.\" width=\"445\" height=\"296.70374999999996\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-1t8m8f2\"><button class=\"open-lightbox dcr-4tmywn\" type=\"button\" data-element-id=\"f9203f6a-f31b-4fe0-9c0b-e7205c8b33f1\" aria-haspopup=\"dialog\"><span class=\"dcr-194i6pr\">View image in fullscreen<\/span><\/button><\/div><figcaption class=\"dcr-1tx6u99\" data-spacefinder-role=\"inline\"><span class=\"dcr-1qvd3m6\">A Project Jonah whale rescue workshop under way at Scorching Bay, Wellington.<\/span>\u00a0Photograph: Mark Coote<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Back on the beach of Scorching Bay, university student Maia Horn tells the Guardian that as a marine biology major she has longed to complete Project Jonah\u2019s training. But her reasons are also personal.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">Whales are considered a \u201ctaonga\u201d species for M\u0101ori, meaning they are a sacred treasure of cultural significance. Horn\u2019s family is from the small, predominately M\u0101ori, North Island community Wh\u0101ng\u0101r\u0101, where The Whale Rider \u2013 Witi Ihimaera\u2019s novel and its film adaptation &#8211; is set.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cWhales have a special significance for me \u2026 subconsciously along the way, I think that [Wh\u0101ng\u0101r\u0101] connection was motivating me.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">New volunteer Pablo Wolinski wanted to become a medic so he could give something back to the ocean.<\/p>\n<p class=\"dcr-16w5gq9\">\u201cHere, we rely on others,\u201d he says. \u201cEveryone steps up to help \u2026 including for other creatures.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"dcr-bjqdol\">\n<div class=\"dcr-1v9sla6\">\n<div class=\"dcr-5oiine\">\n<div class=\"dcr-vjz21n\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A vast network of volunteers leap into action to save beached creatures in New Zealand, a global hotspot for strandings On 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 &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":2631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2630","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-animals"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Fake dolphins and frantic digging: the army of helpers learning to rescue New Zealand\u2019s stranded whales - CAPTAINNEWS<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/captainnews.info\/?p=2630\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Fake dolphins and frantic digging: the army of helpers learning to rescue New Zealand\u2019s stranded whales - CAPTAINNEWS\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"A vast network of volunteers leap into action to save beached creatures in New Zealand, a global hotspot for strandings On 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. 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