Why do Whales Beach Themselves?
Some whales, the Odontocetes family, use sonar to find their food and to navigate. The sound of a Sperm Whale is like an acoustic click. They make sounds that bounce off any obstacles ahead and tell the whale what is in front of them.
If there is a very gradual slope to the shore the whale may receive a confusing signal about the depth of water and become stranded. If they are sick they will also strand themselves. The problem is compounded because the stranded emits distressed calls that all the other whales in the group respond to, and then a mass stranding occurs.
Fortunately strandings of Sperm Whales in New Zealand are relatively rare. When they do occur there is never a shortage of people wanting to help refloat the whale. There are some important rules to follow if you do find a stranded whale on a beach.
· Call for help immediately – the Department of Conservation 04 471 1592.
· Keep the whale wet but do not pour eater into its blow hole. Drape wet sheets over the whale. Keep well clear of the tail.
· Remember that a whale is a mammal and therefore can drown. Make sure that its blowhole is not submerged under water.
· Do not try to move any whale until you have expert instruction. Whales are very heavy and their bodies are designed to be supported by water. Wait until there is sufficient water to support them.
· Keep calm. Whales known to respond to the soothing effects of a human’s voice.
© 1997 Whale Watch® Kaikoura Ltd.
Some whales, the Odontocetes family, use sonar to find their food and to navigate. The sound of a Sperm Whale is like an acoustic click. They make sounds that bounce off any obstacles ahead and tell the whale what is in front of them.
If there is a very gradual slope to the shore the whale may receive a confusing signal about the depth of water and become stranded. If they are sick they will also strand themselves. The problem is compounded because the stranded emits distressed calls that all the other whales in the group respond to, and then a mass stranding occurs.
Fortunately strandings of Sperm Whales in New Zealand are relatively rare. When they do occur there is never a shortage of people wanting to help refloat the whale. There are some important rules to follow if you do find a stranded whale on a beach.
· Call for help immediately – the Department of Conservation 04 471 1592.
· Keep the whale wet but do not pour eater into its blow hole. Drape wet sheets over the whale. Keep well clear of the tail.
· Remember that a whale is a mammal and therefore can drown. Make sure that its blowhole is not submerged under water.
· Do not try to move any whale until you have expert instruction. Whales are very heavy and their bodies are designed to be supported by water. Wait until there is sufficient water to support them.
· Keep calm. Whales known to respond to the soothing effects of a human’s voice.
© 1997 Whale Watch® Kaikoura Ltd.
Hey this is awesome.. Good on you, lol =-]
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