More than 30 pilot whales that stranded themselves on a beach in New Zealand were safely returned to the ocean after conservation workers and residents helped to refloat them by lifting them on sheets. Four of the pilot whales died, New Zealand’s conservation agency said. New Zealand is a whale stranding hotspot and pilot whales are especially prolific stranders. “This response demonstrates the deep connection we all share with our marine environment.”A large crowd assisted with the rescue of the stranded whales. Both the North and South Islands feature stretches of protruding coastline with shallow, sloping beaches that can confuse species such as pilot whales — which rely on echolocation to navigate.

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Persons: ” Joel Lauterbach, It’s Organizations: Department of Conservation, Associated Press, of Conservation, New Zealand Department of Conservation Locations: New Zealand, Whangārei, New Zealand’s, Zealand, Chatham, South