Temata taught us all an amazing lesson. An island that had consumed any whale that stranded on the shore just a few years ago, now reacted with love and tenderness. Hundreds of Rarotonga locals touched her, tried to save her, brought blankets, wetsuits, food, flashlights, boats, and prayers for her recovery. The local newspapers and television station followed her every breath. She took her last one in Avatiu Harbour after she went into death throes the second afternoon. She died as the people of Rarotonga watched on with tears and sad hearts. We found a white plastic bag in her stomach during the necropsy. We put out the word to the island ... No more rubbish ever on our shores or in our waters. We hope that this message will spread widely, for others to learn from. We thank you Temata, for the experiences we had knowing you and the emotions that you stirred in us. And we thank the people of the Cook Islands along with my amazing research team for all of their help, sleepless nights and encouragement. Meitaki maata, Nan Hauser

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