Every spring, the Great Barrier Reef welcomes a
special visitor. The only known pure white humpback whale occasionally pops up
from the water, breaching the surface to greet visitors. It travels from
Antarctic waters to migrate to the warmer coasts of Australia.
Tourists joining various Daintree rainforest
tours during this season have a great chance to meet Migaloo,
the famous white whale. Here are some interesting facts about him.
What's with the name?
Migaloo was first seen in 1991 when he was
photographed breaching Byron Bay. Scientists instantly gained interest in
learning more from this rare white whale and began research with the help of
the aboriginal community in Queensland. They gave him the name “Migaloo” which
means “white fella”.
In Aboriginal culture, white animals are
considered sacred and are revered to be reminders of the uniqueness of life.
The name Migaloo is a sign of honour to celebrate the creature.
Are white humpback whales really rare?
There are only four known white whales in
existence: Migaloo, the most famously known; Willow, a white whale that roams
the waters near Norway;
Bahloo, who swims in the same territory as Migaloo but
rarely breaches; and another calf who was recently discovered and was named
Migaloo Jr. Among these humpback whales, only Migaloo is a confirmed pure white
whale who is spotless.
Migaloo regularly visits the warm waters of
Australia during the migration period which increased his fame among tourists
and locals. He’s become so famous that a webpage has been dedicated as a central hub for all
information gathered about him. He also has his own and a to track his journey.
How do we know that he’s male?
Scientists have observed Migaloo “singing”. In
the world of humpback whales, only males are known to communicate through a
special melodic pattern. They also confirmed his gender through genetic
examination of his DNA gathered from dead skin samples in 2004.
Special treatment for a special fella
Due to his significance to the local tourism and
humpback whale research, Migaloo is protected by special Queensland &
Commonwealth Government legislation that is enacted each year. This prevents
all vessels approaching Migaloo no closer than 500 metres and aircraft no lower
than 2000 feet. Anyone who breaches these limits will pay a $16,500 fine.
Finding Migaloo and seeing him first hand is one
of the attractions you shouldn’t miss when visiting far north Queensland. So
why not book for a Daintree Rainforest accommodation this spring and
who knows, you might just get a chance to meet the white fella.
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