You are here: HomeRescues → 2010, November 14, Pilot whales, Tutukaka, Northland

After following the pilot whales in large meandering circles for over five hours, they eventually were seen heading out to sea in a northerly direction.


Over 1,500 photos were taken of these whales in an attempt to see if any were from the recent strandings and rescues up north.  To date, no matches have been made suggesting that the population of pilot whales around New Zealand may be relatively fluid - coming and going into our waters.  Further research is needed to confirm this, however no funding is currently available.

Rescue Images
Quick Facts

Name Pilot whale, long-finned
Image
Pilot whale, long-finned
Suborder Odontoceti
Family Delphinidae
Max. size - Male 6.7 m (21.9 ft)
Max. size - Female 5.7 m (18.7 ft)
Calf size 1.7-1.8 m (5.5-5.9 ft)
Max. weight - Male 2,300 kg
Max. weight - Female 1,300 kg
Calf weight 75 kg
Food primary food is squid, but known to take fish
Latin name Globicephala melas
Name Bottlenose dolphin
Image
Bottlenose dolphin
Suborder Odontoceti
Family Delphinidae
Max. size - Male 3.8 m (12.4 ft)
Calf size 1-1.3 m (3.2-4.2 ft)
Max. weight - Male 650 kg
Food generalist feeders taking fish, squid and occasionally crustaceans (e.g., shrimp)
Latin name Tursiops truncatus
Location Tutukaka, Northland
Latitude -35.60178
Longitude 174.57373
Number of Whales 40+ (15+)
At this rescue

Dr. Ingrid N. Visser – Whale Rescue Co-Founder

Dr. Ingrid N. Visser – Whale Rescue Co-Founder

Ingrid has attended numerous mass and individual strandings.  She is experienced in sampling and data collection at these events, and in the use of refloatation Rescue Pontoons and other rescue equipment.  She has served on the Board and was a trainer for another stranding rescue group.

Read more ››

Location of Rescue

Help Us

Whale Rescue is a volunteer organisation, run by volunteers. There are lots of different ways that you can help us to continue rescuing whales and dolphins.

Find out more ››