Humpback whale dies after becoming stuck on Otago sand bank

Sunday 21 September 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Sun 21 Sep 2025, 4:00pm

In this story Department of Conservation, Project Jonah

A humpback whale, estimated to be eight to 10 metres long, died after becoming stranded at the mouth of the Waitati River north of Dunedin. The animal was first spotted on Saturday and was found dead on Sunday morning. Department of Conservation staff noted the whale showed signs of sickness and malnutrition.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffSun 21 Sep 2025, 12:40pm

   Humpback whale dies after becoming stuck on sand bank in Otago (opens in new tab)

2. RNZSun 21 Sep 2025, 1:03pm

   Stranded humpback whale dies north of Dunedin (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldSun 21 Sep 2025, 1:25pm

   Humpback whale dies after stranding on Warrington Beach near Dunedin (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsSun 21 Sep 2025, 4:00pm

   Beached humpback whale dies north of Dunedin (opens in new tab)