Conservationists say they're "heartbroken" after a mass stranding of more than 200 whales on the Chatham Islands.
Project Jonah New Zealand - a charity group focused on whale and dolphin protection and rescue - reported the news of the whales getting stranded on the Chatham Islands on Saturday.
"We are heartbroken to hear of a mass pilot whale stranding on the Chatham Islands, found earlier today," said a post on Project Jonah's Facebook page, adding 215 whales were stranded - many of which had died.
"The Chatham Islands is a challenging spot for stranding response, known for great white sharks, remote beaches and a resident population of fewer than 800 people. These factors sadly meant the whales alive on discovery were euthanised by the Department of Conservation (DoC)."
A DoC spokesperson confirmed the deaths, explaining they could not refloat the animals because of the risk a shark attack posed for both staff and the whales.
"Surviving whales were euthanised by the trained team to prevent further suffering," the spokesperson said.
"Iwi and imi were present to support."
Project Jonah added it's "distressing" when whales get stranded.
"These mass strandings are distressing events and while we always hope for surviving whales are able to be refloated, this wasn't an option here," Project Jonah said.
"Our thoughts go to the DoC rangers and the local community at this time."
