As patron of WDCS, the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, I know that whales are an incredibly emotive species.

This was very apparent with the recent whale strandings that happened just half an hour from where I live in Cape Town.

More than 50 false killer whales beached themselves on Kommetje Beach.

Hundreds of people tried in vain to help the whales get back into the sea but most of them just came right back to the beach.

Despite everyone’s efforts it was a futile excercise and in the end the authorities decided the kindest thing to do was to shoot the whales.

People in Cape Town haven’t stopped talking about it.

The tragedy has really struck a chord. No one knows why the whales ended up on the beach but it was a very sad and desperate sight.

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 8-14.

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 to help save the whales by logging on to wdcs.org/savethewhaleweek or calling 01249449 500.


Michaela Strachan, patron, WDCS the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society