Over 50 pilot whales stranded at New Zealand’s Farewell Spit on Jan. 8, 2026, triggering a major rescue effort amid challenging conditions.

Over 50 long-finned pilot whales stranded at Farewell Spit, New Zealand, on January 8, 2026, prompting a large-scale rescue effort by Project Jonah, the Department of Conservation, and volunteers. The whales, drawn into shallow waters by the area’s sloping sand flats and strong social bonds, became trapped during a rapidly falling tide. Despite ongoing efforts to guide them back to deeper water, 53 whales remained stranded across two sites. Responders are working through the night to keep the animals cool and are urging volunteers to bring wetsuits and supplies due to harsh, exposed conditions. Farewell Spit’s geography makes it a recurring site for mass strandings, particularly during tidal changes.