The Humpback Highway running along the New South Wales coast is frequented by tens of thousands of whales during migration season.
Things usually kick off in June, with those who prefer less traffic known to start the journey as early as May. An April migrant is very uncommon, and one such young individual found himself in a tough situation when he detoured into Forster and turned a short pause sheltering from rough seas into a weeklong visit.
A SURPRISE STOP
Junior, as the 12-tonne juvenile came to be known, was first spotted by dumbstruck onlookers on April 12th, when he entered the mouth of the Coolongalook river.
The instant celebrity made the local news, but excitement quickly turned into alarm when the dropping tide left him beached on a sandbank.
RESCUE ATTEMPT #1
Local forces sprang into action, culminating in the first rescue setting the young whale free. In typical adolescent fashion, he ignored attempts to guide him into safer waters, swinging around to swim upriver. To no one’s surprise he was soon in need of further assistance when he was stranded a second time.
Teams of people were on standby to minimise his discomfort, preventing onlookers from getting too close and doing their best to reduce sunburn.
RESCUE #2
On 17 April, 5 days after he entered the river, Junior was dragged off the sandbank in a sling and successfully found his way back onto the Humpback Highway where he continues his journey.
His escape with superficial skin damage as a reminder of the experience was thanks to immense efforts from volunteers and government services. Hopefully he now knows better than to venture too far inland in the future.
REPORTING ANIMALS IN NEED
The wayward whale garnered national attention, and the news coverage reminds us how despite their immense size, these animals are vulnerable to injury and even death when they lose their way.
Fortunately, there are people and organisations on hand to help. If you see an animal in need, immediately report it to either the ORRCA Rescue Hotline on 02 9415 3333 or the Sea World Rescue Team 07 5588 2222 (9:00am to 5:00pm) or 07 5588 2177 (After Hours).
Quick action can hopefully avert a tragedy.
WHALE WATCHING OPPORTUNITIES
Humpbacks are spectacular, and the delight experienced by those in Forster when they initially saw Junior is no surprise. If you’d like to have the same experience, without the trauma of a beaching, find a responsible Whale Watching opportunity on the Visit NSW site. You’ve got plenty of time before the rush really gets going.