04/06/2026
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Last weekend, members of New Zealand's Large Whale Disentanglement Team were called into action after a young male Tohorā (Southern Right whale) became entangled in commercial fishing gear near Rakiura/Stewart Island.
Local fishers quickly alerted Department of Conservation after discovering the whale and a specialist response team, including DOC, Environment Canterbury and members of the Whale Watch Kaikoura team, were deployed to assist.
The team successfully removed the entangling gear in around 45 minutes. Whale disentanglements are some of the most challenging and technically demanding wildlife rescues undertaken in New Zealand. Responders work in close proximity to large, powerful mammals, often in unpredictable sea conditions.
The Southern Right whale population is still recovering. We are incredibly grateful for all those involved helping to ensure future generations to experience the privilege of seeing these whales 🐋