Has the majestic white humpback whale Migaloo returned?

Mark Molloy 26 July 2016 • 10:17am

Migaloo the whale — Is that you Migaloo? Credit: Newspix/REX/Shutterstock

Has Migaloo returned?

A rare white humpback whale has been spotted off the east coast of Australia, with reports suggesting it could be the famous Migaloo.

He is one of Australia’s most well-known humpback whales and was the only known all white whale in the world when he was first spotted, according to the White Whale Research Centre (WWRC).

As #Migaloo approaches QLD waters, excitement build on all the Head Lands along the coast. pic.twitter.com/sJgh7trrQu
— Migaloo the Whale (@Migaloo1) 26 July 2016

There have been scores of sightings of a white whale migrating up the east coast of Australia from Antarctica to the warmer waters of Tropical North Queensland.

The latest reported sightings of the distinctive whale have been near Byron Bay, off the coast of New South Wales.

#Migaloo sighted 28 31 6East 153 50.2 7 klm of coast 5klm north of Lighthouse at 7.35am Please respect him if heading out on a boat today.
— Migaloo the Whale (@Migaloo1) 25 July 2016

However, Sea World God Coast director of marine sciences, Trevor Long, questioned if it was actually Migaloo.

He told the Brisbane Times he believes it could actually be the ‘son of Migaloo’: “While I say it’s somewhat objective, I do not believe it’s Migaloo.

“It’s a smaller animal and doesn’t have the same degree of damage and yellowing (as Migaloo).

Oskar Peterson, the WWRC founder, told the newspaper he believed it was Migaloo but could not ‘guarantee it’.

The WWRC add: “Up until September 2011 Migaloo was thought to be the only all white Humpback Whale in the world.

“Then amazing footage emerged of a 100 per cent all white baby humpback calf. This new white whale unofficially named MJ (Migaloo Junior) has amazed and delighted people from around the world.

“It really is mother nature at her brilliant best and hopefully this new all white whale will live as long as the average humpback whale (50 years) and assist in creating more awareness of our marine environment for future generations to enjoy and appreciate.

“Migaloo is protected under Australian law. He is part of the Australian East Coast Humpback Whale population.”

Meanwhile, watch the incredible moment two humpback whales nearly crashed into a kayaker.

These group of tourists missed the spectacular moment a humpback whale breached just metres from their boat because they were looking the wrong way.