Moko removed from Matakana
Archived content: This media release was accurate on the date of publication.
Introduction
Tauranga DOC staff removed a dolphin carcass suspected to be that of Moko the friendly bottlenose dolphin, from Matakana Island this afternoon.Date: 08 July 2010
Tauranga Department of Conservation (DOC) staff removed a dolphin carcass suspected to be that of Moko the friendly the bottlenose dolphin, from Matakana Island this afternoon.
They will be sending it to Massey University for autopsy in an effort to confirm what might have caused his death and if it actually is Moko.
“Wild dolphins, like Moko, face numerous risks in their daily lives and from time to time carcasses such as this wash up on our shores. We wouldn’t usually go to such lengths but have decided to on this occasion because of the public interest and affinity with Moko, and haved gained support from the local iwi to do so” says DOC Tauranga Area Manager, Andrew Baucke.
“The carcass has started to decay and may have been dead for as long as two weeks, so for now our identification is based on the size, markings, sex and teeth of the carcass”. Findings from the autopsy are expected to be received later next week.
DOC Community Relations Programme Manager, Katrina Knill says that interest is building about what will be done with the remains; “This is really sad, a large number of people feel strongly connected to Moko. We’ll be looking into what’s most practical and appropriate over the next few days.”
Contact
Moko found dead on Matakana Island 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