Dead whale provides impromptu lesson
Show and tell: Pupils from Ward School get an early biology field trip to the beach to examine a beached whale.
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A beached beaked whale provided an intriguing nature study for Ward School pupils on their first day back at school.
The four-metre whale was found on the beach on Wednesday and had a gash in its neck indicating it may have been hit by a boat, said Ward School parent Tania Dewhirst.
About 20 pupils from the school took a look at the whale on Wednesday afternoon, and were amazed at how small the eyes were compared with the size of the body, she said.
"They also thought its tail was cool, and were surprised how hard the skin was – like kelp."
The Department of Conservation has been notified of the find.
Beaked whales are quite rare in New Zealand waters.
- The Marlborough Express
