Simon, from the Department of Conservation, came in to Mapua School on the 15th August with a Southern Right Whale Dolphin
(not to be confused with the Southern Right Whale).

The dolphin had been found washed up on a beach at Rabbit Island and was being sent to Wellington for an autopsy.

The Southern Right Whale Dolphin is unique in that it is the only dolphin in the world without a dorsal fin.

We asked some children from Mapua School what they thought of it:

"I didn't know it would have sharp teeth" (Kurtis)

"I thought it was pretty sad" (Nikau)

"It looked like rubber" (Ashleigh)

"It was quite exciting" (Henry)

"I thought it was weird and smelly and cool" (Ellie)

Charlotte's Report:
Yesterday Simon from D.O.C. brought a Southern Wright Whale Dolphin to school. It had no dorsal fin. It was washed up on Rabbit Island. I was so, so, so excited. Its skin looked like plastic. I don’t know how it died.It was really dead and sad.
By Charlotte, Room One