Moko found dead on Matakana Island
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
DOC staff say a dolphin carcass washed up on Matakana Island yesterday afternoon is probably Moko the bottlenose dolphin.Date: 08 July 2010
Department of Conservation (DOC) staff say that a dolphin carcass washed up on Matakana Island yesterday afternoon is probably Moko the bottlenose dolphin.
Moko is a bottlenose dolphin who delighted Whakatane residents and visitors with his playful antics last summer and caused excitement amongst Tauranga locals when he arrived at Pilot Bay on 3rd June, but has been rarely seen since.
“Based on the size, markings and teeth of the carcass, we think that this is Moko” says DOC Ranger Jamie Quirk whom has worked with Moko since he turned up on the Mahia Peninsula coastline in 2007.
DOC Tauranga Area Manager, Andrew Baucke said that Moko was a wild animal and his death could have been caused by any number of factors; “We’ll be taking steps to identify the cause of death and dispose of the body appropriately.”
“This is a sad loss. The way that Moko interacted with people really inspired public interest and care for dolphins and marine mammals and their environment in general. I’m sure that those who got to see and swim with him will treasure those memories” says Mr Baucke.
Contact
Moko removed from Matakana 8 July 2010
Moko at Massey 9 July 2010
DOC awaits Moko post mortem 12 July 2010
For more information about Moko:
Contact:
Katrina Knill
Community Relations Programme Manager, Tauranga Area Office
Ph: +64 7 571 2737