Room 4 has been learning about whales this week. We decided to join Room 17 who initiated this topic, because environmental education is so important and relevant to all New Zealanders.
The following advice were given:
- Call 0800 DOC HOT , or 0800 4 WHALES, when stranded whales are spotted.
- Keep the whale wet by slowly pouring water on it's skin. Keep the skin shiny.
- Wrap a wet blanket over its body, taking care to keep the dorsal fin uncovered. They also gave us an example of what not to do by covering the dorsal fin in the photo below.
- Mammals breath air, so we should NOT pour water down its blow hole.
- Keep calm around the animal, using low voices. Small children or inquisitive dogs must be kept at a distance to keep the stranded animal calm, as it may stop breathing when anxious.
- Stay away from the tail.
- The tide comes in every twelve hours, so be prepared to look after the animal for a while.







