DOC awaits Moko post mortem results

Marine mammal pathologists at Massey University completed a necropsy on the dolphin carcass presumed to be Moko on Saturday. Tissue samples are now being processed and the Department of Conservation (DOC) expects to receive post mortem results by Wednesday this week.

“We’re as sure as we can be without DNA test results that this was Moko” says Katrina Knill from the Department of Conservation’s Tauranga Area Office, “no obvious cause of death is evident at this stage”.

Plans regarding the future of Moko’s remains have yet to be finalised. Discussions amongst iwi representatives will continue today. DOC staff will be basing a final decision on the outcomes of these discussions and this will be made public when confirmed.

“We’ll keep people informed as information is available.” says Ms Knill. “We’re all keen to get some answers but just need to be patient a little longer. The post mortem process usually takes up to two weeks, but staff from Massey & Auckland Universities are trying to push it through as quickly as possible and we’re really grateful for that”.