New Zealand Conservation Department hopes the juvenile orca that beached itself and was recently released from Takapuna Beach will join up with a pod. A group of between 10 and 15 killer whales has been seen off Martins Bay. The whale is believed to be approx four years old and female.

A rescue team including Project Jonah, Auckland Regional Council and Conservation Department staff worked around the clock to keep her wet. The whale was small enough to be handled and a decision was made to move her more than 40km from Huia Beach because the water is calmer at Takapuna than at Huia. After being released the whale was seen with kayakers but a rescue team guided her to the Hauraki Gulf and to date there is no sign of her.

The hope is that this orca will perhaps join up with the nearest pod, although there is no reason why another group will adopt it. The concerns the Marine Connection has for this female is that such a young orca may not survive on its own as it has not yet fully developed effective hunting, navigational or social skills, but are hoping for a positive outcome for her.