A rare albino humpback whale believed to be the popular Migaloo was recently seen off the Australian coast.
The watchers caught a glimpse of this beautiful white mammal in the waters of New South Wales heading north.
Every year between April and November, thousands of humpback whales in Australia migrate to Antarctica for breeding and feeding.
The timing however varies from year to year and it depends on numerous factors, including sea ice, the temperature of the water, predators’ risk, prey abundance, as well as feeding ground location.
Could This be THE Migaloo?
Migaloo was spotted for the first time in 1991 in Byron Bay, a town in NSW.
The marine biologists estimate that this white whale was born in 1986 and may be the sole humpback in existence, claims the Pacific Whale Foundation.
The first portrait of him was taken through a telescope lens camera at a 5 km range. The photo was blurry to confirm the albino status; however, thanks to a re-shot in 1993 in Hervey Bay, it was confirmed it was entirely white.
Because of his instant aquatic popularity, the public insisted giving him a name and to honor the local natives. They named him Migaloo or white fella according to some indigenous languages.
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