Dolphin saves whales in NZ beach rescue: 12-03-2008
A dolphin has saved two whales which became stranded on a beach in New Zealand.
The dolphin, known to locals as "Moko", came to the rescue of the pygmy sperm whales that were stranded on the beach and appeared to lead them out to sea.
Malcolm Smith, a worker from the Conservation Department, told news reporters that "it was amazing".
"It was like she grabbed them by the flipper and led them to safety," he said.
"The whales were sitting on the surface of the water quite distressed, they had arched their backs and were calling to one another, but as soon as the dolphin turned up they submerged into the water and followed her," Mr Smith explained.
The event occurred on the Mahia peninsula on the east coast of the North Island after Mr Smith and his colleagues had tried in vain to float the mother whale and her calf.
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