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.
May 13, 2024
3 Articles