Australia's Favorite White Humpback Makes A Rare Appearance

Australia's Favourite White Humpback Makes A Rare Appearance

1. What is so special about Migaloo?
Migaloo, which means 'White Fella' in the indigenous Australian language, was called this because he is white and was first spotted off Australia's Byron Bay in 1991. The gorgeous 55-ton all-white humpback, was sighted with five other whales as they made their annual migration from the Antarctica to the breeding areas off Queensland in Western Australia

2. Cite a few facts from the article that tell you how precious Migaloo is to the people of Australia.
Not surprisingly, he became an instant local darling and was immediately elevated to the status of 'special interest whale'. This means that boats and jet-skis have to keep a distance of at least 500 meters, while airplanes have to be more than 2,000 meters away from the mammal. Anybody caught violating this rule is subject to a fine exceeding $12,500 AUD.

3. Why is Migaloo known as a 'hypo-pigmented' humpback? is he the only one?

Because he might be the colour he is because of hypo pigmented which is discoloured skin. No he is not the only white whale because in September 2011, Alan Fewings and his family reported seeing a white calf amongst a pod of migrating whales, near Cid Harbor off the coast of North Queensland.

Critical Thinking Challenge:

Do you think Migaloo's special colour helps or hurts him from human predators? Why

I think that it help shim because people are not allowed to hunt him or even go near him, boats and jet-skis have to keep a distance of at least 500 meters, while airplanes have to be more than 2,000 meters away from the mammal.