Mass whale stranding in Chatham Islands

2026, October 10. Chatham Islands (Rēkohu / Wharekauri). A mass stranding of approximately 30 long-finned pilot whales (Globicephala melas, known locally as Rongo Moana or black dolphins) has been documented. The individuals are in an advanced state of decomposition, estimated to have been dead for nearly a week. The stranding dynamics reveal three distinct wash-up sites in close physical proximity, with carcasses deposited high along the tidal line due to strong spring tides and wave action. See post below for meteor airburst data.