Fake dolphins and frantic digging: the army of helpers learning to rescue New Zealand’s stranded whales

A vast network of volunteers leap into action to save beached creatures in New Zealand, a global hotspot for strandings

On a blustery March day in Wellington, a group of would-be whale rescuers wearing wetsuits and hi-vis vests are waist deep in the chilly waters of Scorching Bay. Between them, a two-tonne replica of a pilot whale gently rocks in the swell.

On the sand, another group pours buckets of water over a replica dolphin, while some dig away the sand from beneath its fins. Occasionally, a trainer reminds students to stand back from the tail - if this were a real animal the tail could deliver an unexpected blow.