How Blind Hatred for Zoos & Aquariums Led to the Death of Two Orca Calves
It was a day that seemed just like any other off the coast of New Zealand. This island nation separated from the rest of the world by literally thousands of miles of deep blue ocean, and with it, emerging one of the most beautiful countries that nearly five million people call home. Rocky shores and pristine waters are frequently patrolled by orcas, who stalk the shoreline looking for sting rays hiding in the sand or fish that move into the shallows seeking protection from the top predators of the ocean.
In the early morning hours of July 11th, all seemed normal in Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, a town that sits serenely near the North Island’s southernmost point. A compact city, it encompasses a waterfront area, sandy beaches, a working harbor and colorful houses on rolling hills. It’s also not uncommon to spot orcas swimming near the coast. On this day in particular, a very young orca calf stranded on the rocky shore and was seen being left behind by its pod. In fact, just minutes before the stranding took place, photos of the orca calf and its mother were taken:
