On May 5 in New Taipei, a report was sent in around 1 p.m. of four stranded creatures under the Danjiang Bridge. A rescue team of 30, comprised of members from the Ocean Conservation Administration, New Taipei City Animal Protection Office and the Taiwan Cetacean Society responded to the call.

Four pygmy killer whales were found stranded, each about 2.2 meters (7.2 feet) in length.

Rescuers righted the whales, then kept them moist by pouring seawater over them to prevent dehydration and overheating. Their blowholes were kept clear to ensure the animals could still breathe.

The whales were safely transported to Badouzi in Keelung for further observation and care.

Despite the name, pygmy killer whales are actually a small member of the oceanic dolphin family, reaching an average size of up to 2.6 meters (8.5 feet). They are commonly confused with melon-headed whales, due to the similar appearance of their heads.