The Department of Conservation says the calf of a Gray's whale that washed up on the Kapiti Coast this week is unlikely to survive on its own.
The whale beached south of the Whareroa Stream in Raumati on Tuesday and died soon afterwards.
DoC says the female whale was still lactating, which indicates it was probably caring for a calf.
If the calf is found, it will probably be washed up on a beach. If it does not die naturally, DoC staff may euthanise the calf to ensure it does not starve to death.
