AN urgent Friday night appeal by the Zululand Observer saw more than 30 volunteers make their way to the Caravan Park beach to assist in the incineration of the juvenile humpback whale that stranded on Monday.
With days passing and disposal of the sea giant still uncertain, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife officer Kevin Green finally got the all clear on Friday evening to burn the creature.
This after locals had been seen, despite the incredible stench, cutting huge chunks off the rotting carcass posing a serious health hazard.
After consultation with City of uMhlathuze environmentalist Sharin Govender, the Zululand Observer pledged to raise volunteers to gather driftwood off the beach for the ‘cremation’.
The story was posted and within hours, thousands had logged into the ZO website, the number eventually exceeding 10 000.
The work party that arrived at the beach early Saturday soon gathered enough wood to build a formidable fire and the exercise was successfully completed by mid-morning.
Green expressed thanks to the helpers, who included Honorary Officers, the Enviro-Minds student group and members of the public, as well as to Imvubu Lodge for allowing access onto the beach.
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