Orca expert Dr Ingrid Visser is defending the work done in an ultimately futile attempt to save Toa the baby orca.
It has been revealed the Conservation Department was worried about the public backlash if it moved too quickly to euthanise the stranded baby orca Toa.
Toa was separated from his pod north of Wellington in July, and was cared for by the department and volunteers for 12 days before eventually dying.
The failed operation to keep Toa alive cost more than $130,000.
New information released by the Department of Conservation yesterday included international advice that the baby orca should have been euthanised.
Visser spoke to Corin Dann.
