15-meter sperm whale carcass washed ashore at Oreti Beach, Southland, NZ; its jawbone was stolen using a chainsaw, likely by humans.

15-meter sperm whale carcass washed ashore at Oreti Beach, Southland, NZ; its jawbone was stolen using a chainsaw, likely by humans. The Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978 prohibits whale bone removal from beached animals, and theft could lead to fines up to $250,000. The local iwi highly value the jawbones for carving and rituals. The Department of Conservation is seeking information about the stolen jawbone and urges people to contact them.