Although four of the cetaceans died on the country’s northern coast, the group was only able to overcome the danger thanks to the will shown by hundreds of New Zealanders who helped refloat them even with sheets.

“This statement reflects our profound connection with the marine environment,” quoted the Department of Conservation.

The spokesman of that entity, Joel Lauterbach, described the opportunity as amazing, to witness the genuine care and compassion that people have shown towards these magnificent animals.

The death of four of the whales prompted a Maori cultural ceremony on Monday, as the Indigenous peoples of New Zealand consider these mammals a sacred treasure of cultural and spiritual significance.

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