News by Levels · Level 1 · Student worksheet

Pilot Whales Die on New Zealand Coast

In this lesson: Identify a rescue action and distinguish an unknown cause from a reported outcome.

Name: __________________________ Date: __________________

Read the story

Pilot whales became stuck on rocks near Cape Palliser in New Zealand. People found them on the Ngawi coast on November 5.

Local people and rescue workers tried to help. They kept the living whales wet and helped two back into the sea.

Many whales died. Euronews reported that the last four living whales also died. The reason the whales came ashore is not known.

Source: Euronews, 2026-11-05. https://www.euronews.com/video/2026/11/05/new-zealand-dead-whales-found-as-rescuers-battle-mass-stranding

Read and practise

1. What did helpers do for the living whales?

   1. Moved all of them into deeper water
   2. Kept them dry until high tide
   3. Kept them wet and helped two into the sea

2. What is known about the reason the whales came ashore?

   1. A storm caused it
   2. A fishing boat caused it
   3. The reason is not known

Your turn

Describe one action people took to help the whales and what the report says later happened to the last four living whales.

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Read online: https://newsbylevels.com/news/ngawi-pilot-whale-stranding-rescue-november-2026/level-1/