Save the whales (From The Northern Echo)

Save the whales

11:12am Friday 5th June 2009 in Letters

AS patron of Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) I know that whales are an incredibly emotive species.

This was apparent just 30 minutes from where I live in Cape Town, South Africa, recently when more than 50 false killer whales beached themselves on Kommetje Beach (Echo, June 1).

The public responded immediately and hundreds tried in vain to help the whales get back into the sea, but most just came right back to the beach. Eventually, it was decided the kindest thing to do was to shoot the whales.

Most people love and care for whales, but a few still want to purposely kill them. Most people will never have the opportunity to physically try to help whales, but everyone can do their bit by supporting Save The Whale Week, which runs from June 8 to 14.

I am fully supporting WDCS’s efforts to keep the ban on commercial whaling in place, a ban which some whaling nations are working towards overturning. Find out how you can do your bit by logging on to wdcs.org/savethewhaleweek or by calling 01249 449 500.

Michaela Strachan, TV Presenter and Patron, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Chippenham, Wiltshire.