Mass strandings are reasonably common on the Chatham Islands, according to the DOC ... theories for why beachings occur. Some say the animals could be getting disoriented after following fish ...

a further 51 pilot whales died after becoming stranded on a beach on the Chatham Islands. While whale strandings are not uncommon, they usually involve just a single animal rather than a whole group.

But thanks to volunteers at Chatham County Animal Services and the community, the shelter has increased its live release rate from 50% to 71%—meaning 71% of their animals now leave with either a ...