Justin Stretch cradles orca pup Toa at the Plimmerton boat ramp in Porirua last week. Photo: Mark MitchellA leading marine biologist says while Kiwis have done an outstanding job caring for stranded orca baby Toa, the time has come to talk about some stark realities, including euthanasia. The young orca calf is currently being cared for 24/7 by Department of Conservation (DOC) staff and volunteers since becoming separated from his mother at Plimmerton, north of Wellington on July 11. "I'm saying less than three months [old]. Dr Arnja Dale, Chief Scientific Officer, SPCA, told the Science Media Centre they were "extremely concerned" about Toa's welfare.

Source: Otago Daily Times July 20, 2021 04:18 UTC