Thirty-nine pilot whales became stranded on this New Zealand beach on Sunday.<br/> <br />By Monday 12 of the animals were dead and authorities said they shot the rest to prevent further suffering.<br/> <br />(SOUNDBITE)(English) JOHN MASON, DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION, SAYING:<br/> <br />"We sent two of our most experienced staff out there to make an assessment of whether we believed a refloat was possible but unfortunately, considering where they were on the beach and the weather conditions today, we just didn't believe that refloating was a viable option."<br/> <br />The whales were stranded on Farewell Spit on South Island.<br/> <br />The thin strip of sand regularly traps groups of whales and local media reports say hundreds have been stuck there over the years.<br/> <br />The latest casualties will be left on the beach after a Maori blessing.
