NZ whale rescuers ask for old bed linen

Tue Oct 9 2012. New Zealanders are being asked to donate their old bedsheets and pillowcases ahead of the summer’s whale stranding season.

Whale rescue charity Project Jonah says it is in desperate need of supplies to restock emergency response kits up and down the country

Project Jonah chief executive Kimberly Muncaster says that while whale rescue trailers are equipped with slings, pontoons, lifting mats, VHF radios, wetsuits and safety vests, everyday items are also needed.

“Old sheets and pillowcases also make up part of our critical life-saving kits and we need lots of them for what could be a busy stranding season ahead.”

Old bedsheets can be used to keep stranded whales cool and protect their sensitive skin from the sun and wind, while pillowcases can be made into sandbags to keep whales upright, preventing them from rolling and damaging their fins.

After a busy stranding season last year, Ms Muncaster said Project Jonah’s stocks of sheets and pillowcases are low.

New Zealand has one of the highest stranding rates in the world, with an average of 300 whales and dolphins stranding each year.

Last year 344 animals stranded.

Items people want to donate can be dropped off at The Body Shop stores across the country during October.

Source