15 pilot whales die on New Zealand beach

Wellington - Fifteen pilot whales died Sunday after a mass stranding on an inlet at Port Levy, 45 kilometers south-east of Christchurch, New Zealand's South Island. Staff from the Department of Conservation and local volunteers managed to return six to the water and they were followed by another 50, Radio New Zealand reported.

Kimberly Muncaster, chief executive of the Project Jonah organization, said it was believed to be the first mass stranding in the region in 100 years and the whales may have become disorientated in the shallow harbor while searching for food.

Source: Earth Times.
Link: http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305444,15-pilot-whales-die-on-new-zealand-beach.html.