No limits on keeping Toa in captivity
THE Department of Conservation says it does not have a time limit on how long stranded baby orca Toa will remain in captivity, and is regularly assessing his health.
Doc marine species manager Ian Angus yesterday said the welfare and health of the orca was ‘‘at the centre of its decision making’’.
Orca Research Trust founder Dr Ingrid Visser, who is leading Toa’s recovery, said they had no intention of euthanising Toa unless his health deteriorated.
‘‘We don’t euthanase healthy animals,’’ she said.
‘‘That’s not on our agenda with whale rescue.
‘‘He’s healthy, he is alert, he’s engaged and we recognise that there are welfare concerns being in this small pool.’’
The young orca calf has been cared for 24/7 by Dr Visser, Doc staff and volunteers since becoming separated from his mother at Plimmerton on July 11.
Dr Visser said they were making progress with Toa’s feeding and he was now using a teat made by Weta Workshop, which he could choose to suck on as opposed to previously being tubefed.
‘‘We are giving him choice. We are asking him if he wants to come in for a feed.
Dr Visser said Toa now appeared to be over his bout of colic after appearing to only have it for a few hours on Monday night.
She said a panel of vets from a variety of backgrounds, all volunteering their time, were involved in his care.
‘‘He’s got a team of vets down here 24/7 . . . there are animal welfare vets as well.’’
Dr Visser said they had discussed euthanasia with Doc staff and iwi.
‘‘But our focus is on the fact that he’s still healthy and still coping mentally so we want to focus on getting him back to his family.’’
Doc said moving Toa out of the sea pen was ‘‘unlikely’’ yesterday. Some injuries from stranding were healing well, ‘‘others require ongoing monitoring’’ Doc said.
There were no sightings yesterday of any orca pods. — The