Possibly world’s rarest whale washes ashore in New Zealand, Offering unprecedented research opportunity

The five-meter spade-toothed whale found on Otago beach, South Island, New Zealand, provides rare scientific research opportunities. Awaiting DNA confirmation, it offers insights into habitat and diet. Stored in collaboration with Māori iwi, it's the first specimen for study. Marine adviser Hannah Hendriks and researcher Kirsten Young note the discovery.