Humpback whales soar through Australia’s tropical river

SYDNEY: A trio of humpback whales, usually bound for Antarctica at this time of year, took a wrong turn and headed toward a crocodile-infested river in northern Australia with scientists waiting on Saturday (September 12) that they all return to sea safely.

Two of the creatures, first seen in the East Alligator River in Kakadu National Park earlier this week, are believed to have already returned to the sea, Parks Australia said.

But authorities were still monitoring at least one whale, sighted some 20 kilometers upriver on Saturday, Kakadu National Park’s country and culture section manager Feach Moyle told AFP.

“The most likely explanation is that they were heading south and took a wrong turn,” Moyle said.

“It’s a bit difficult to tell if there are one or two there,” he added, and the muddy color of the river makes identification difficult.

Although whales are sometimes seen off the coast of the Northern Territory, it is believed to be the first time one has been seen in the tropical rivers of the huge nature reserve declared a World Heritage Site, he said.

The park authorities have established a partial exclusion zone to protect unwitting boaters and the remaining whales, which can grow up to 16 meters long and weigh 30 tons.

“The last thing we want is a collision between a boat and a whale in waters where crocodiles are prevalent and visibility under water is zero,” said Parks Australia.

There were also concerns about the ships pushing the creatures upstream.

Although found in the main country for crocodiles, saltwater reptiles do not pose a major threat to humpbacks because of their size, Moyle said.

“Even a large crocodile is not going to get tangled up in them.”

The biggest problem was if a whale was stranded, with a dangerous rescue in a remote country making access difficult before the animal became “crocodile bait,” he said.

“What we want to happen is that tomorrow we get on the helicopter and then see them say goodbye.”