In a written statement, King Tuheitia stated that the habitats of giant cetaceans are under threat and that action must be taken.
King Tuheitia argued that whales should have the same rights as humans to protect their populations and have healthier habitats.
“Whales play a vital role for the ecosystem”
King Tuheitia’s statement was also shared by Cook Islands High Chief Travel Tou Ariki.
High Chief Travel Tou Ariki said in a statement, “We can no longer ignore this. Whales play a vital role for the ecosystem. Their declining numbers are disrupting the balance in the sea.”
Whales are among the largest mammals on Earth, measuring up to 30 meters in length and weighing up to 200 tons.
The World Wide Fund for Nature reports that 6 of the 13 species of large whales are in danger of extinction.
In New Zealand, some rivers and mountains important to the Maoris were recognized as “living beings” with the same rights as humans.
