More Than 30 Stranded Whales Rescued in New Zealand by People Lifting Them on Sheets

nnAfter a pod of more than 30 pilot whales stranded themselves on a New Zealand beach, over a thousand volunteers and professionals alike organized to save them by carrying them back out to sea on sheets.nnThe sheets were suspended from the prow of a boat operated by New Zealand’s Department of Conservation (DoC).nnThe stranding happened on Ruakākā Beach near the city of Whangārei in New Zealand’s north island, a particularly prolific stranding location for pilot whales. DoC agents routinely survey the beach and ask the public to report any whales coming too near.nnRescue efforts saw almost all of the pilot whales survive, while three adults and one calf perished. A Māori ceremony was held to honor their spirits, as the Māori believe the animal to be a sacred cultural treasure.nn”It’s amazing to witness the genuine care and compassion people have shown toward these magnificent animals,” Joel Lauterbach, a Department of Conservation spokesperson, said in a statement. “This response demonstrates the deep connection we all share with our marine environment.”nnWATCH the story below from Straight Arrow News…nnWATCH on CBS News HERE to see how they used the sheets…nn[raw] [/raw]SHARE This Story With Your Friends On Love Whales…