EX-AB tackled stuck whale in ‘dangerous’ way
Unsafe for animal and rescuers to haul by tail: Charity
Whale rescue charity Project Jonah has criticised the actions of former All Black Ali Williams in rescuing a beached whale over the Easter break.
In a statement posted online, the charity said the techniques used risked “significant damage” to the whale and put the rescuers themselves in danger.
The World Cup winner was travelling by helicopter with ZURU founder Ali Williams when the pair spotted the stranded mammal on the beach at Mangawhai, north of Auckland, on Monday.
Mowbray told the Herald they were returning from the Bay of Islands when they saw the whale.
Williams is in a relationship with Mowbray’s sister, ZURU co-founder Anna Mowbray.
Mowbray said they circled back and landed, and that the beach was empty when they began trying to save the animal but were soon joined by local surf lifesavers, who had been armed with rope.
Video of the incident, posted to Instagram by Mowbray’s partner Jaimee Lupton, shows Williams and Mowbray pulling the whale by its tail to free it from the sand.
At one point the whale gets the better of Williams, slapping the rangy lock with its tail and knocking him into the surf.
The group then manhandle the whale through the small breakers and back out to sea.
Mowbray told the Herald the whole effort took an hour.
Whale rescue charity Project Jonah earlier shared news of the rescue on its Facebook page, saying it had offered advice to the lifeguards on how to refloat the whale, identifying it as a false killer whale measuring 4-5 metres.
Project Jonah issued fresh comment yesterday after seeing video, saying the techniques used were dangerous.
“Our advice to Surf Lifesaving New Zealand was for those attending the rescue to stay away from the tail at all costs.
“Unfortunately, the video shows members of the public using rope around the tail and dragging the whale backwards, by the tail, to get it to deeper water.
“This is incredibly dangerous, not only for rescuers but can cause significant damage to the whale. While we understand the desire to get the whale back in to deeper water, it is important that this is done correctly and safely.”
Department of Conservation marine biologist Catherine Peters echoed that concern. She said while the group acted on instinct, their actions could have hurt the whale.
“Their spinal column is really fragile,” Peters said. “By pulling from the tail you’re really putting stress on a very sensitive part of the animal and ultimately you could end up effectively disabling that animal.”
She said it also posed a “huge risk” to rescuers.
Stay away from the tail at all costs. Project Jonah