Plea To Rescue Baby Orca Seen Alone Gains Momentum

  • 8 years ago
Since July 14, a baby orca has been swimming alone in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty. The calf is away from its pod and is likely having a hard time surviving without the support of fellow whales.


Since July 14, a baby orca has been swimming alone in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty, reports the New Zealand Herald.

The calf is away from its pod and is likely having a hard time surviving without the support of fellow whales.
New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) issued a statement noting that "...specialists are advising DOC to take a precautionary approach and avoid any actions that will stress the young animal or unintentionally prevent its return to its family pod."
However, according to the Orca Research Trust, intervention is necessary as "the calf appears severely dehydrated."
For how much longer the young whale can sustain itself is unknown. 
The trust is asking for the public’s assistance in convincing the Department of Conservation to allow the Orca Research Trust to step in. 
Those in support of saving the baby orca can assist in a number of ways. 
Signatures are being collected on a petition posted to Change.org.
People in the area are asked to call in sightings of groups of orcas near the Bay of Plenty and to refrain from disturbing the calf in any way.