highlands's Identifications

Female orca became stranded on Patea Beach late afternoon/ early evening of Sunday 13th March. Despite locals (local community, DOC officers, local Project Jonah representatives) trying to refloat her at high tide after midnight, she showed little sign of response. She was reported to be exhausted and in a deminished state at the time of initial stranding. Unfortunately she was found dead the next day (photos attached). Fin photos were emailed to Ingrid Visser further identification.