‘Majestic' ocean creature makes surprise appearance off Australia. ‘Unforgettable'
Ferry-goers and passers-by on the coast of Australia were in for a special surprise when a gray ocean creature made its way close to shore.
A fin popped out of the water followed by a head and blow of air as a small whale appeared in the coastal water, according to a video posted Jan. 26 by Cronulla & National Park Ferry Cruises.
A chorus of excitement is heard in the background of the video as the whale cruises around.
'A beautiful (minke) whale was spotted near Bundeena Wharf today, giving passengers on the Cronulla Ferries an unforgettable experience,' the company said on Facebook. 'These majestic creatures are such a special sight in the area, and we're lucky to witness such a close encounter with nature.'
The company identified the animal as a minke whale, some of which are commonly spotted in places off the Great Barrier Reef and other warm waters in the southern hemisphere.
But when biologists took a look at the video, they said the whale was actually something much more rare — a juvenile Antarctic minke whale.
'I've never heard of an Antarctic minke whale here,' wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta told The Guardian. 'It's a species that we don't generally see off Sydney, regardless of time of the year.'
Unlike the common minke whale, Antarctic minkes don't have white markings on their flippers, and they are some of the smallest whales in their family which includes blue whales, according to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation.
They typically don't reach lengths of more than 30 feet long, dwarves compared to their giant cousins.
Why this Antarctic minke whale was so far from home, and seemingly alone, is a mystery.
'It may be a case of mis-navigation, it may be a case that it just happened to be in the area,' Pirotta told The Guardian. 'The thing is it looks in good condition, and it was observed going out to [sea], which is a good thing. If we'll see it again, I'm not sure.'
Bundeena Wharf is on the south side of Sydney, Australia on the country's southeastern coast.
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