While I was traveling the South
Island, I happened to hear about a beached whale from a local. We were told the
whale had washed ashore in the night just a short 15-minute drive from where we
were staying in Greymouth. Once we arrived at the location at Kumara Beach, we
spoke to other locals who were very disturbed by this event, informing us this
was the third beached whale in the past week. The Department of Conservation
had inspected the whale and shortly released, "It's certainly unusual and it may just be coincidence. There were some major storms at sea…that's the only likely reason I can see at the moment." But I think the real question, is
what’s causing the storms? New Zealand has had its wettest year to date with
many floods and other environmental issues throughout. And unfortunately, a
week later another beached whale washed up in the same area. It makes me
wonder, is global warming becoming a real concern?
Locals gather to witness the third beached whale in one week
15 meter [50 foot] sperm whale awaiting the traditional Maori burial
The cause of death is still undetermined
Terribly sad but a once in a lifetime chance to be this close to a fallen giant
