There are five stages in a stranding rescue response. No two strandings are the same however, so follow the directions of DOC staff at all times. This can be crucial for your safety and the success of a rescue, and in many cases is required under the law.
Sometimes DOC staff will need to humanely put down animals – be prepared for this outcome.
If you are the first on the scene, contact DOC immediately on 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468). To keep animals calm, avoid loud noises, keep dogs and small children away and make no unnecessary movements.
To ascertain if an animal is alive, gently touch the blowhole, if no response, very gently touch the edge of the eyeball, if no response is seen, the whale is most likely dead. Dead whales will be checked and marked by DOC staff.
Aim: to prevent more animals dying, reduce stress, increase chances of survival
Aim: to move animals to deeper water, to bring scattered animals together
Aim: to prepare the animals for release and decrease chance of re-stranding
Aim: to release all of the animals in one group
Aim: to prevent re-strandings