A group of swimmers from the charity Ocean Culture Life (OCL) had the unique opportunity to encounter an all-white humpback whale during a trip to Tonga (South Pacific). It was one of the rare encounters with this species of whale, making the experience a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The OCL team was on a licensed swim in Tongan waters when they unexpectedly spotted a rare white humpback whale. The calf was swimming with its mother and another male. It is an unusual sight, as humpback whales regularly migrate to Tongan waters from July to November each year to breed and mate in the warmer climate.
What made this encounter special was the presence of a beluga whale – an extremely rare occurrence. The whale was first spotted in August and is believed to be the first beluga humpback whale to be born in Tonga waters, near Vava’u Island. OCL had been tracking the mother and calf, but the pair had been extremely difficult to catch, making this encounter all the more special.
The white humpback whale is one of the rarest marine creatures in the world.
Jono Allen, a tour guide and photographer who took part in the trip, described the encounter as "the experience of a lifetime and an indescribable privilege".
According to wildlife photographer Matt Porteous, Jono Allen sought to establish trust with the mother whale by mirroring her movements underwater. This action appears to have helped Allen gain acceptance from the mother whale and allowed them to interact with the baby beluga whale.
Porteous describes this silent communication as an “ancient ritual” that creates a bridge of understanding between humans and the giant sea creatures. The encounter is not just a moment of physical contact, but also a testament to the deep connection between species through subtle interactions.
The rare white whale has been named Mahina, which means “Moon” in Tongan, a fitting name given its pale skin. However, Mahina’s unusual appearance has led to much discussion about her health. Experts believe she may have suffered from either albinism or leucism , two conditions that affect body pigmentation.
Albinism is a genetic condition that causes a complete lack of melanin pigment, affecting the animal's skin and eyes. Leucism , on the other hand, causes only partial pigmentation. Mahina is currently believed to have albinism because she has black eyes – an atypical trait for albino animals, which usually have red or pink eyes. Mahina's case is not yet completely confirmed, however, as there are other species of beluga whales, such as the famous Migaloo in Australia, which also have black eyes but are actually albino.
Most white humpback whales suffer from albinism or leucism, which are genetic disorders that prevent the body from producing enough melanin. According to scientists, the rate of humpback whales with albinism or leucism is only about 1 in 10,000. This means that in a population of thousands of humpback whales, only a few individuals are white.
While meeting Mahina was a magical experience, Jono Allen also expressed concerns about the calf's safety. Its striking white skin could make it an easy target for marine predators.
Allen noted that while the mother whale was fiercely protective of her calf and the male escort provided protection, Mahina's distinctive colouring could be a factor in her vulnerability. "We don't know if we'll ever see her again," he said. "But I really hope we'll have the privilege of seeing Mahina return to Tonga as a fully grown beluga."
The appearance of Mahina has attracted the attention of the international community, not only because of the rarity of the white whale but also because of its potential ecological and conservation implications. Protecting and monitoring the development of Mahina is not only a scientific task, but also an action to protect biodiversity in the ocean environment.
Because of their striking coloration, white humpback whales are more easily detected and attacked by predators. In addition, they are also more susceptible to sunlight than darker-colored individuals.
Encounters like these are a reminder that nature is full of wonders, and that it is our responsibility to conserve and protect rare marine species like Mahina. Each encounter with these rare creatures is not only a magical experience, but also an opportunity to better understand the natural world around us.
The encounter with Mahina – a rare white humpback whale – is a testament to the beauty and wonder of nature. However, protecting and maintaining such rare animals requires the continued efforts of scientists, conservation organizations and the international community. Hopefully, one day soon, Mahina will return to Tonga, no longer a vulnerable baby whale, but a symbol of the resilience of life in the ocean environment.
Source: https://giadinh.suckhoedoisong.vn/phat-hien-ca-voi-lung-gu-trang-sinh-vat-sieu-hiem-trong-tu-nhien-172241015085253726.htm
Comment (0)